Spaghetti with rich meat sauce

Spaghetti with rich meat sauce is a comforting dish featuring ground beef, sautéed onions, and a robust pasta sauce. This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.

09 Jan 2026
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
16 oz ground beef(90%/10%)
12 oz pasta
5 cups pasta sauce
1 onion

Spaghetti with rich meat sauce is a classic and hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines aromatic onions, flavorful ground beef, and a rich pasta sauce to create a comforting meal. The use of olive oil adds a hint of richness, while the al dente pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the savory sauce.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Measure out the olive oil, ground beef, pasta, and pasta sauce.

2. Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

4. Combine and Simmer:
- Once the beef is browned, pour in the pasta sauce.
- Stir well to combine.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Serve:
- Divide the cooked pasta between plates or bowls.
- Ladle the rich meat sauce over the pasta.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or parsley if desired.

6. Enjoy:
- Serve the spaghetti with rich meat sauce immediately, while it's hot.

Cooking a delicious Spaghetti with rich meat sauce doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy. Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste and add your favorite garnishes to make the dish even more special. Buon appetito!

Spaghetti with rich meat sauce FAQ:

What is the cooking time for the pasta?

The pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions, which is typically around 8-12 minutes for al dente depending on the type of pasta you use.

How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?

The ground beef is fully cooked when it is browned and there is no pink remaining, usually taking about 8-10 minutes over medium heat.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative, keeping in mind that cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.

How should I store leftovers from this dish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

What type of pasta works best for this meat sauce?

Any pasta works well, but shapes like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine are particularly good at holding the rich meat sauce.

Tips:

- For a deeper flavor, cook the sauce on a low simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes.

- Add a pinch of sugar to the meat sauce if you find it too acidic.

- Try garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for extra flavor.

- Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should still have a bit of a bite when you take it off the heat.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 460kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 60g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 14g
Fat 14g

Spaghetti with rich meat sauce