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Spaghetti with Beef Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with Beef Tomato Sauce
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A quick and comforting Spaghetti with Beef Tomato Sauce recipe, combining tender ground beef, vibrant tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver rich, savory flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for families and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 cup diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms (for vegetable boost)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or ricotta cheese (for cheese lovers)
  • Ground turkey or plant-based mince as a substitute for beef (for healthier swap)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme instead of oregano and basil (for herb variations)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Open the canned tomatoes and measure out your herbs, salt, and pepper to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the beef and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the canned tomatoes along with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the beef tomato sauce, mixing well to coat every strand. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning beef for a lighter sauce if using regular ground beef.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly and longer for deeper, richer flavors.
  • Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick to loosen it.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley added just before serving to brighten the dish.
  • Cook pasta just al dente to maintain perfect texture and avoid dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, beef tomato sauce, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, Italian comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/spaghetti-with-beef-tomato-sauce/