Spaghetti and Meat Sauce: A Simple Yet Satisfying Recipe
This recipe delivers a classic, comforting spaghetti and meat sauce that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to follow, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to impress. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water (optional, for thinner sauce)
- For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add vegetables: Enhance your sauce with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Use different meats: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for the beef.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for protein.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the meat as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
SEO Optimization Notes:
This recipe post is optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords like "spaghetti and meat sauce," "spaghetti recipe," "meat sauce recipe," "easy spaghetti recipe," and variations thereof. The use of headings (H2, H3) improves readability and structure, while the step-by-step instructions and variations cater to a broad audience. The inclusion of "Tips and Variations" section increases user engagement and encourages sharing. By using descriptive language and addressing user queries (e.g., vegetarian options), this post aims to rank higher in search results.
