Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

When you need a classic comfort dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and deeply satisfying, nothing beats the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe. Simmered low and slow with Italian sausage, beef, and just the right blend of tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics, this sauce is the very definition of hearty, weeknight magic. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or seeking leftovers worth dreaming about, this recipe promises robust flavors and a rich, savory sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of spaghetti.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of straightforward pantry staples and a few fresh accents, the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe comes together with an incredible depth of flavor. Each ingredient has a special role to play, from the buttery base that builds richness to the fresh basil that lifts the whole pot with its vibrant aroma.

• Butter: Sets a silky, flavorful foundation for sautéing the onions and helps everything meld together beautifully.
• Extra-large red onion (peeled and diced): Essential for sweetness and complexity; it gives body and subtle color to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Adds that irresistible Italian fragrance and a robust savory note in every bite.
• Ground Italian sausage: Packs a punch with its seasoning and fat content, providing depth and a little spicy edge.
• Ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and satisfying texture, perfectly balancing the sausage’s assertiveness.
• Dried oregano (or Italian Seasoning): Traditional herbs work magic during the simmer, infusing the sauce with classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Tomato sauce (2 – 28 ounce cans): Forms the lush, velvety backbone of the sauce, soaking up all the meaty goodness.
• Crushed tomato (1 – 28 ounce can): Provides welcome texture and bursts of real tomato flavor for a rustic appeal.
• Chopped fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for a garden-fresh, fragrant pop that brightens every serving.
• Sugar (if needed): Just a touch helps tame any acidity and balance all those tomatoey flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for pulling all the elements together and highlighting each note in the sauce.

How to Make Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion in Butter

Set your heavy-bottomed sauce pot on medium heat, toss in the butter and diced red onion, and let them mingle. Take your time here! Give the onions about 5 to 8 minutes to soften up, stirring occasionally until they’re tender and aromatic—but not browned. If things get too lively, simply turn the heat to medium-low. This step builds the savory base that makes the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe so memorable.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Meats, and Herbs

Once those onions are soft and golden, sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another two minutes, releasing its warmth and fragrance. Now, introduce the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning). Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small, tasty crumbles as it cooks. When the meat is well browned, you’ll notice the irresistible aroma—that’s your cue to move to the next step.

Step 3: Pour in Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes

It’s time to transform everything with richly flavored tomato sauce and those chunky crushed tomatoes. Pour both into the pot, stirring everything together until well mixed. The tomatoes soak up all the browned bits and savory juices, creating a sauce that’s layered and luxurious.

Step 4: Simmer

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe bubble gently for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it go for up to an hour draws out more depth and beautifully melds the flavors. Be sure to stir every so often to prevent sticking and allow the sauce to develop its perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Basil and Adjust Seasoning

Stir in a shower of freshly chopped basil for that burst of herby brightness right before serving. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. If your sauce leans toward the tangy side, blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar to strike the ideal balance. Now your Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe is ready to meet its pasta match!

How to Serve Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Give your saucy masterpiece a finishing flourish with hand-torn basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or freshly ground black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil or even a scatter of chopped parsley can add a touch of freshness and elevate the presentation of each plate.

Side Dishes

Classic spaghetti meat sauce loves good company! Serve it with a big green salad dressed in zesty vinaigrette, and don’t forget warm, crusty garlic bread for dunking. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasti platter make it a true Italian-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond traditional spaghetti! Use the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe as a filling for baked pasta shells or lasagna, spooned over creamy polenta, or layered in a hearty meatball sub. Transforming the sauce keeps dinners exciting and leftovers never boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the sauce to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps happily in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors keep getting better!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe in sturdy freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (just lay them flat for easy stacking). It will stay delicious for up to three months. Don’t forget to label and date each portion!

Reheating

Gently reheat the sauce on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if it’s gotten too thick.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you’re seeking a leaner option, though you may want to bump up the herbs and add a splash of olive oil for richness.

Is it possible to make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meats and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the tomatoes and herbs, and cook on low for 6-8 hours for incredible flavor and ease.

Which type of pasta goes best with the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe?

Traditional spaghetti is a classic for a reason, but any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine works beautifully to soak up every drop of this hearty sauce.

How do I keep my sauce from becoming too acidic?

If the tomatoes taste sharp, just stir in a tablespoon or two of sugar at the end to round out the flavors—a tried-and-true trick for taming acidity.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply increase all the ingredients and use a larger pot. This sauce is ideal for meal prepping, big family gatherings, or freezing for future dinners.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a simmering pot of homemade meat sauce, and the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe always rises to the occasion. Give it a try—whether you’re making dinner for loved ones or batch-cooking for easy weeknights, you’re in for a meal that’s delicious, reliable, and worthy of your recipe collection.

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