Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Spaghetti meat sauce is rich, hearty, and full of classic flavor. Juicy tomatoes and savory ground meat simmer together to make the perfect sauce for pasta. It’s an easy, homemade recipe that turns any dinner into comfort food.

Course Sauces and Spices

Cuisine American, International

Keyword great recipe, ground beef, homemade spaghetti, homemade spaghetti sauce, meat sauce, pasta, sauce, sauce recipe, sausage, simmer, tomato, tomato sauce

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Servings Servings

Calories 291kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Wooden Spatula
1 Cooking Pot

Ingredients

2 Cups Minced Meat beef, pork, or mixed
1 Cup Bacon cut into tiny cubes
1 ½ Cups Tomato Sauce smooth or chunky
1 Cup Fresh Heavy Cream
1 Cup Celery chopped small
1 Piece Onion large, minced
4 Pieces Garlic Cloves finely grated
¼ Cup Freshly Picked Oregano
¼ Cup Minced Fresh Marjoram

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Chop onions, garlic, and celery, and measure the bacon, minced meat, tomato sauce, and herbs so everything is ready to go.
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat, add onions, garlic, and celery, and cook until softened and fragrant.
Add diced bacon and cook until golden and crisp, then stir in minced meat, breaking it apart as it browns evenly.
Mix in oregano, marjoram, salt, and pepper, stirring well so the seasonings evenly coat the meat.
Pour in tomato sauce and a splash of heavy cream or milk, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors deepen.

Video

Notes

Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can really bring your sauce to life with vibrant, aromatic flavors. Adding them toward the end of cooking keeps their taste fresh and bright.
Let the sauce simmer: Simmering your sauce for a longer period allows the flavors to deepen and meld together. This slow cooking process ensures a rich, well-rounded taste.
Don’t overcook the meat: Brown your meat just enough to develop flavor without drying it out or making it tough. Overcooking can result in a less juicy, flavorful meat texture.
Season gradually: As the sauce simmers, taste it frequently and adjust the seasoning. This way, you can control the flavor profile and make sure everything is balanced.
Add a touch of sugar: If the sauce is too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This helps round out the acidity without making the sauce overly sweet.
Use quality tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes are key to a rich, delicious sauce. Look for tomatoes packed in their own juice for the most authentic flavor.
Top with fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a creamy, salty finish to your sauce. It brings all the elements together for a delightful bite.

Nutrition