Description
Best spaghetti recipe with ground beef! Rich, hearty, and full of classic flavor, this easy family dinner comes together fast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, (80/20)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups onion, (chopped)
- 1 small green bell pepper, (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons parsley, (finely chopped)
- grated parmesan
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (1 1/2 pounds), salt (1 1/2 teaspoons), and pepper (1/2 teaspoon). Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
- Sauté the vegetables: Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pot and reduce heat to medium. Add onion (1 1/2 cups), bell pepper (1), and garlic (1 tablespoon). Cook until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Build the sauce: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes (1 can), tomato sauce (1 can), tomato paste (1 can), Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon), and sugar (1/2 teaspoon). Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the pasta: Cook spaghetti (16 ounces) in well-salted water according to package directions. Drain.
- Combine and serve: Toss pasta with sauce or serve sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley (2 tablespoons) and Parmesan.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for maximum richness. The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates a deep, layered flavor. Simmering the sauce uncovered allows it to thicken and concentrate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 858 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: beef, pasta, ground beef, spaghetti, Weeknight Dinner