🍝 Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce – An Authentic, Irresistible Italian Classic I Learned From a Friend in Italy
If there’s one recipe that never fails to impress family and guests, it’s this Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce. I first learned this dish from a friend in Italy, and ever since, it has become one of my most requested meals. The flavor is deep, comforting, rich, and absolutely irresistible — the kind of pasta that fills your kitchen with aromas that instantly make everyone hungry. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a taste of true Italian comfort, this dish delivers every single time.
What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is. You only need everyday ingredients, but once they simmer together, the result tastes like it came straight out of a little trattoria in Rome. Slow-cooked onions, garlic, tomato sauce, herbs, and well-seasoned ground beef come together and cling beautifully to perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of that classic Italian “nonna” flavor we all love.
This sauce freezes well, reheats beautifully, and pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even just a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing pasta recipe that’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests, this is it. Save it, share it, and make it again and again — it never disappoints!
⭐ INGREDIENTS
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt & black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Parmesan cheese for serving
⭐ INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onions and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2️⃣ Brown the beef:
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3️⃣ Add tomato ingredients:
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and sugar if using. Mix well so all the flavors combine.
4️⃣ Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–25 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
5️⃣ Cook the spaghetti:
In a separate pot, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain but don’t rinse.
6️⃣ Combine:
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss until every strand is coated.
7️⃣ Serve:
Garnish with parsley, fresh basil, or a generous handful of Parmesan cheese.
⭐ WHY THIS RECIPE RANKS HIGH & GETS SAVED
✔ Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
✔ Full bold Italian flavor
✔ Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
✔ Perfect for meal prepping
✔ Budget-friendly comfort food
✔ Authentic taste learned straight from Italy
This is the kind of spaghetti recipe that gets passed around from friend to friend — simple, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. If you try it, get ready for compliments!
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