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Cozy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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A simple, comforting spaghetti with a rich meat sauce that simmers slowly to develop deep flavors. Perfect for family dinners and leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce/800 g) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if available)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water (about 1 tablespoon per 4 quarts)
  • Optional garnishes: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out all your spices and sauces.
  2. Cook the pasta: fill a large pot with 4 quarts (3.8 L) of water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  3. Brown the meat: heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato paste and spices: stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce: pour in the 28-ounce (800 g) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, add 1 teaspoon sugar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Simmer the sauce: reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce gets too thick.
  8. Combine pasta and sauce: toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the meat sauce. Mix gently to coat the noodles evenly. Warm through for 2 minutes.
  9. Serve and garnish: plate the spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Brown the meat well to develop flavor and avoid soggy texture. Simmer sauce slowly to deepen tomato flavor. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. For less acidity, add a splash of cream or butter at the end. Sauce tastes better the next day. Freeze sauce separately from pasta for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meat sauce, easy dinner, family favorite, comfort food, pasta recipe, homemade sauce

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