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–+ servings
Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Best Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef for Cozy Nights

A hearty homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef that's quick, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavors. Perfect for cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended
  • 1 cup Diced Onion Yellow onions preferred
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic for best flavor
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes San Marzano recommended
  • 8 ounces Tomato Sauce Adjusts sauce consistency
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce naturally
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity
  • to taste Salt Enhances flavor
  • to taste Black Pepper Enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Convenient herb blend
  • to taste Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat
  • ½ cup Water or Beef Broth Thins the sauce as needed

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add ground beef and break it apart; cook until brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
  4. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly.
  7. Add sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and mixed crushed red pepper flakes.
  8. Pour in water or beef broth and stir to adjust consistency; simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
  10. Serve over cooked pasta, optionally topping with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This spaghetti sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning.

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