Introduction
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and full of classic Italian flavors? Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is the perfect dish! This recipe features a rich, savory tomato sauce made with lean ground beef, fresh and canned tomatoes, mushrooms, and aromatic spices, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings, this spaghetti is straightforward to make and universally loved. Curious about how to create this delicious pasta dish? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Overview: Why Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce Is Special
Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is a timeless classic that combines the heartiness of a meaty tomato sauce with the satisfying simplicity of spaghetti. The long-simmered sauce develops deep, robust flavors from pantry staples like tomato paste, dried oregano, and minced onion, while the ground beef adds richness and protein. This recipe is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. With minimal active prep and a forgiving cooking process, it delivers restaurant-quality comfort food at home.
- Time Requirement:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total: About 2 hours 25 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy. Involves basic browning, simmering, and boiling, suitable for beginners.
- Why It’s Special: This recipe serves 4, offers a rich, meaty tomato flavor, and is a complete meal. It’s budget-friendly, great for any season, and ideal for pasta lovers.
Essential Ingredients
This spaghetti dish comes together with ingredients that create a flavorful, hearty sauce. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides rich, savory protein for the sauce.
- Chopped Tomatoes (2 ½ cups): Add fresh, juicy tomato flavor and texture.
- Tomato Paste (1 ⅓ 6-oz cans, about 8 oz total): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Sliced Mushrooms (1 4.5-oz can): Contribute earthy depth and a meaty texture.
- Dried Minced Onion (2 tbsp): Infuses sweet, oniony flavor without chopping.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors in the sauce.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian herbaceous notes.
- White Sugar (¾ tsp): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Provides a mild, spicy kick.
- Garlic Powder (⅛ tsp): Adds subtle, savory depth.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Serves as the classic, twirlable pasta base.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes (drained) or fresh tomatoes if preferred.
- Tomato Paste: Reduce to 1 can (6 oz) for a lighter sauce, or use tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
- Mushrooms: Omit or replace with fresh sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Dried Minced Onion: Substitute with ½ cup finely chopped fresh onion or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Spaghetti: Use linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure tomato paste and mushrooms are gluten-free.
- Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce that’s rich, hearty, and comforting:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain and discard excess grease.
- Make the Sauce:
- Transfer the browned beef to a large pot over low heat.
- Stir in 2 ½ cups chopped tomatoes, 1 ⅓ 6-oz cans tomato paste (about 8 oz), 1 4.5-oz can sliced mushrooms (drained), 2 tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¾ tsp white sugar, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, and ⅛ tsp garlic powder.
- Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), about 12 minutes.
- Drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Serve:
- Divide the cooked spaghetti among 4 plates or bowls.
- Spoon the hot meat sauce generously over the spaghetti.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs (see serving suggestions below).
Cooking Tips
- Browning Beef: Break up the beef finely while cooking for a uniform sauce texture.
- Simmering Sauce: Stir every 20–30 minutes to prevent sticking; add ¼ cup water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Al Dente Pasta: Test spaghetti at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; it should have a slight bite.
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt, sugar, or pepper after simmering if needed, as flavors deepen over time.
- Prevent Sticking: Toss drained spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil if not serving immediately to keep it from clumping.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
This dish is all about creating a hearty, flavorful pasta meal with a rich sauce. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Sauce Prep:
- Brown beef thoroughly to develop flavor, draining excess fat for a lighter sauce.
- Simmer the sauce covered to retain moisture, stirring to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Spaghetti Cooking:
- Salt the pasta water generously (1 tbsp per gallon) to season the spaghetti.
- Drain promptly to avoid mushy pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Plating:
- Portion spaghetti evenly and ladle sauce generously for a balanced pasta-to-sauce ratio.
- Twirl spaghetti into nests for an elegant presentation, if desired.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant red sauce and golden pasta.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a polished look.
- Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or a glass of red wine for a complete Italian meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Salads: Pair with a Caesar salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini on the side.
- Cheese: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella for richness.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers with sauce and pasta separate for easy reheating.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep and stores well:
- Refrigerator: Store sauce and spaghetti separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen. Reheat pasta in the microwave or briefly in boiling water.
- Freezer: Freeze sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months; pasta is best fresh but can be frozen for 1 month. Thaw sauce in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Cook spaghetti just before serving for the best texture.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot to enjoy the sauce’s full flavor, tossing pasta with a bit of sauce before plating to coat evenly.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these fun twists to make the dish your own:
- Spicy Spaghetti: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for heat.
- Veggie-Packed Spaghetti: Mix in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini with the sauce.
- Creamy Tomato Spaghetti: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Meatless Spaghetti: Omit beef and use lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure tomato paste and mushrooms are gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Per Serving (1 of 4):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific brands and sauce thickness.
Conclusion
Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is the ultimate comforting, flavorful meal, offering a rich, meaty tomato sauce and tender spaghetti in every satisfying bite. With its simple preparation, classic Italian flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a must-try for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings. This recipe is so versatile and hearty, you’ll want to make it a regular in your menu rotation. So grab your pot, simmer that sauce, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure pasta bliss!
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Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Description
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and full of classic Italian flavors? Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is the perfect dish! This recipe features a rich, savory tomato sauce made with lean ground beef, fresh and canned tomatoes, mushrooms, and aromatic spices, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings, this spaghetti is straightforward to make and universally loved.
Ingredients
This spaghetti dish comes together with ingredients that create a flavorful, hearty sauce. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
-
Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides rich, savory protein for the sauce.
-
Chopped Tomatoes (2 ½ cups): Add fresh, juicy tomato flavor and texture.
-
Tomato Paste (1 ⅓ 6-oz cans, about 8 oz total): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
-
Sliced Mushrooms (1 4.5-oz can): Contribute earthy depth and a meaty texture.
-
Dried Minced Onion (2 tbsp): Infuses sweet, oniony flavor without chopping.
-
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors in the sauce.
-
Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian herbaceous notes.
-
White Sugar (¾ tsp): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
-
Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Provides a mild, spicy kick.
-
Garlic Powder (⅛ tsp): Adds subtle, savory depth.
-
Spaghetti (12 oz): Serves as the classic, twirlable pasta base.
Substitutions and Variations
-
Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
-
Chopped Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes (drained) or fresh tomatoes if preferred.
-
Tomato Paste: Reduce to 1 can (6 oz) for a lighter sauce, or use tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
-
Mushrooms: Omit or replace with fresh sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
-
Dried Minced Onion: Substitute with ½ cup finely chopped fresh onion or 1 tsp onion powder.
-
Spaghetti: Use linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure tomato paste and mushrooms are gluten-free.
-
Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce that’s rich, hearty, and comforting:
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes.
-
Drain and discard excess grease.
-
-
Make the Sauce:
-
Transfer the browned beef to a large pot over low heat.
-
Stir in 2 ½ cups chopped tomatoes, 1 ⅓ 6-oz cans tomato paste (about 8 oz), 1 4.5-oz can sliced mushrooms (drained), 2 tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¾ tsp white sugar, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, and ⅛ tsp garlic powder.
-
Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
-
-
Cook the Spaghetti:
-
About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
-
Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), about 12 minutes.
-
Drain the spaghetti in a colander.
-
-
Serve:
-
Divide the cooked spaghetti among 4 plates or bowls.
-
Spoon the hot meat sauce generously over the spaghetti.
-
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs (see serving suggestions below).
-
Cooking Tips
-
Browning Beef: Break up the beef finely while cooking for a uniform sauce texture.
-
Simmering Sauce: Stir every 20–30 minutes to prevent sticking; add ¼ cup water if the sauce becomes too thick.
-
Al Dente Pasta: Test spaghetti at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; it should have a slight bite.
-
Season to Taste: Adjust salt, sugar, or pepper after simmering if needed, as flavors deepen over time.
-
Prevent Sticking: Toss drained spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil if not serving immediately to keep it from clumping.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey works well; cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes, and drain any excess fat.
Q: Is the sauce very sweet?
A: The sauce has a slight sweetness from ¾ tsp sugar to balance the tomatoes. Omit sugar or reduce to ¼ tsp for a less sweet result.
Q: Why is my sauce too thick?
A: Thickness can result from long simmering. Add ¼–½ cup water or broth during simmering to reach desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef, then combine all sauce ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store sauce and pasta separately in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze sauce for up to 3 months. See storage tips above for details.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use plant-based meat or lentils, gluten-free spaghetti, and ensure tomato paste and mushrooms are vegan-friendly.