Simple and Delicious Homemade Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade spaghetti is not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with flavor. The combination of a meaty, flavorful tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta makes for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the type of meal that brings people together and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with simple, everyday ingredients, you’ll be able to prepare this recipe anytime you crave something comforting and delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• 1 can (14.75 ounces) beef broth (I use full-salt beef broth for this recipe)

• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and basil

• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste with Italian herbs

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 box (16 ounces) thin spaghetti noodles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper until it’s well-browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add Sauce Ingredients: To the same skillet, add the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, granulated sugar, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, allowing it to thicken and deepen in color to a rich red.

4. Cook Spaghetti: About 10-15 minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles once cooked; do not rinse.

5. Combine and Serve: Add the drained noodles directly into the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 people

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the spaghetti noodles for gluten-free pasta alternatives such as those made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Be sure to check that your canned tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth are also gluten-free.

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes, such as lentils, tempeh, or vegan ground meat, for a vegetarian version.

• Extra Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, try adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual servings until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the spaghetti noodles and combine them with the sauce.

2. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer, uncovered, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce more quickly.

4. What type of beef should I use?

You can use ground beef with any fat content you prefer, but 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) works best for a balance of flavor and moisture. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as a leaner alternative.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to cook them down into a sauce. Add fresh diced tomatoes along with some tomato paste and seasonings to create your own sauce base.

6. Is there a vegetarian alternative to the ground beef?

Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat, lentils, or even mushrooms as a replacement for ground beef in this recipe.

7. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella can be stirred into the sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.

8. Can I add red wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce. Let it simmer with the sauce for about 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

9. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can brown the beef and then transfer it to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for a rich, slow-simmered flavor.

10. How can I make the spaghetti spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Conclusion

This Simple and Delicious Homemade Spaghetti is the perfect meal to gather around the table and enjoy with family and friends. It’s full of comforting flavors that will leave everyone satisfied, and it’s easy to make for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some fun variations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.