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.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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.