Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

This recipe has been handed down from my mother. It is a family favorite and will not be replaced! (Definite husband pleaser!) Serve over any variety of hot cooked pasta.

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Yield:
8 servings
Servings:
8

There's nothing like classic spaghetti and meat sauce to bring people together around the dinner table. This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef recipe will satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Restaurant-worthy spaghetti sauce with ground beef is just a few steps away. You'll find the full recipe below, but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

Cook Beef and Veggies

Cook ground beef in a saucepan over medium-high heat with garlic, onion, and green pepper. Stir until the meat is brown and crumbly. The vegetables should be tender.

Add Tomato Products and Season

Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the beef mixture. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick and aromatic, then serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.

Troubleshooting Spaghetti Sauce

If your spaghetti sauce didn't turn out exactly how you wanted it to, don't worry! There's probably an easy fix.

How to Thicken Spaghetti Sauce

This recipe should result in a perfectly thick spaghetti sauce. But things happen! If you somehow end up with a runny consistency, there are a few ways to thicken it. You could simmer the sauce for a few more minutes — this will reduce some of the liquid and leave you with a thicker sauce.

For a quicker fix, make a slurry with one part water and one part cornstarch. Stir the slurry slowly into the sauce until you've reached the desired thickness.

What Herbs to Add to Spaghetti Sauce

This top-rated recipe calls for garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. However, you can certainly adjust, eliminate, or add seasonings to suit your taste. To make this spaghetti sauce your own, you could add parsley or spice things up with crushed red pepper. Just remember to taste the sauce every time you add an ingredient so you don't accidentally add too much or too little.

How Long to Simmer Spaghetti Sauce

We love the texture and flavor of this spaghetti sauce when it simmers for about an hour. If you'd like your sauce a little thinner, reduce the time a bit. Meanwhile, if you like it a little thicker, let it simmer for a bit longer.

What Goes With Spaghetti?

Looking for something delicious to pair with your spaghetti and meat sauce? Try one of these irresistible ideas:

Toasted Garlic BreadPanzanella SaladCaesar Salad SupremeQuick and Easy Garlic Broccoli with ParmesanSauteed Zucchini

How Long Does Spaghetti Last In the Fridge?

Store your cooked noodles and your spaghetti sauce with ground beef separately. The spaghetti noodles will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The ground beef sauce, meanwhile, will last for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Spaghetti Sauce?

Yes! You can absolutely freeze spaghetti sauce. It's a great way to deal with leftovers and meal prep at the same time. To freeze spaghetti sauce, ladle it into zip-top freezer bags in serving-sized portions. Squeeze out the excess air, seal, label with the date, lay flat in the freezer, and freeze for up to six months.

How to Reheat Frozen Spaghetti Sauce

Refrigerated spaghetti sauce can be reheated in a couple different ways. Microwave in 10-second increments (stirring between increments) or reheat on the stove, stirring frequently.

Thaw frozen spaghetti sauce in the fridge overnight. Reheat thawed sauce on the stove, stirring frequently.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“Very good ‘go-to’ recipe for traditional spaghetti sauce,” according to Polly G. “I had all the ingredients on hand and the flavor was great — even better the next day. It made a good batch so I was able to freeze some for a quick dinner. I’ll definitely be making this again!”

“What more can I say about this recipe that hasn’t already been said,” raves sheribdb. “I did toss in some fresh mushrooms, but otherwise it’s perfect just the way it is. It’s absolutely delicious!”

“I’ve been looking for a simple yet robust sauce to try,” says Stellar912. “This is perfect! And with all the ingredients on hand, this was easy. I added two onions and a huge green pepper because I like my sauce zesty.”

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1
Gather all ingredients.

Step 2
Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly and vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease.

Step 3
Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer spaghetti sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 4
Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

185
Calories
9g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 185
% Daily Value *
Total Fat9g 12%
Saturated Fat4g 18%
Cholesterol35mg 12%
Sodium931mg 40%
Total Carbohydrate15g 5%
Dietary Fiber4g 13%
Total Sugars9g
Protein12g
Vitamin C28mg 140%
Calcium72mg 6%
Iron4mg 20%
Potassium785mg 17%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Powered by the ESHA Research Database ? 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved

source by allrecipe

    • 15 years ago

    This would be a great recipe if you left the peppers out. Otherwise it is perfect

    • 15 years ago

    This would be a great recipe if you left the peppers out. Otherwise it is perfect

    • 15 years ago

    This recipe was very easy and tasty. It’s a really hearty sauce and next time I’ll add sauteed mushrooms. I’ll certainly make it again!!

    • 15 years ago

    This recipe was very easy and tasty. It’s a really hearty sauce and next time I’ll add sauteed mushrooms. I’ll certainly make it again!!

    • 15 years ago

    i also omit the peppers. i also add one bay leaf. its a very good sauce.

    • 15 years ago

    i also omit the peppers. i also add one bay leaf. its a very good sauce.

    • 15 years ago

    I absolutely loved this spaghetti sauce and so did my father and brother. I used “Italian Seasoning”, but other than that, I didn’t have to substitute anything.

    • 15 years ago

    I absolutely loved this spaghetti sauce and so did my father and brother. I used “Italian Seasoning”, but other than that, I didn’t have to substitute anything.

    • 15 years ago

    Good homemade test.

    • 15 years ago

    Good homemade test.

    • 15 years ago

    I just made this for 14 people at work. Everyone loved it. Thanks for the great recipe!

    • 15 years ago

    I just made this for 14 people at work. Everyone loved it. Thanks for the great recipe!

    • 15 years ago

    Five stars for a quick, easy, delicious recipe! I DID use 1 1/2 lbs beef and a large can (29oz) of diced tomatoes (I wanted a little extra sauce), but those were the only changes. Thanks to Hank’s mom!

    • 15 years ago

    Five stars for a quick, easy, delicious recipe! I DID use 1 1/2 lbs beef and a large can (29oz) of diced tomatoes (I wanted a little extra sauce), but those were the only changes. Thanks to Hank’s mom!

    • 15 years ago

    I followed the recipe as is and my husband and I loved it! I usually use a seasoning packet and we always hate it 🙂 I don’t know why I didn’t try this earlier!

    • 15 years ago

    I followed the recipe as is and my husband and I loved it! I usually use a seasoning packet and we always hate it 🙂 I don’t know why I didn’t try this earlier!

    • 15 years ago

    Everyone at home was pleased with this meal. Not so difficult to make, not so expensive & very tasty. I added fresh mushrooms & fresh basil. I highly recommended.

    • 15 years ago

    Everyone at home was pleased with this meal. Not so difficult to make, not so expensive & very tasty. I added fresh mushrooms & fresh basil. I highly recommended.

    • 15 years ago

    Not that bad but not the best!

    • 15 years ago

    Not that bad but not the best!

    • 15 years ago

    This is an excellent recipe, tastes very good and well worth the effect, I used a can of crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes and it was still very good.

    • 15 years ago

    This is an excellent recipe, tastes very good and well worth the effect, I used a can of crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes and it was still very good.

    • 15 years ago

    Fantastic. I was really craving a simple, yet delicious meat sauce and this definitely fit the bill. I sliced up fresh carrots and mushrooms and added those, along with a little parsley. I will use this recipe again. Thanks! 🙂

    • 15 years ago

    Fantastic. I was really craving a simple, yet delicious meat sauce and this definitely fit the bill. I sliced up fresh carrots and mushrooms and added those, along with a little parsley. I will use this recipe again. Thanks! 🙂

    • 15 years ago

    Simple and very good sauce! Will make again!

    • 15 years ago

    Simple and very good sauce! Will make again!

    • 15 years ago

    We used this recipe for a benefit where we fed over 400 people, everyone enjoyed it. We increased the ingredients by 500, did the math, added a little more beef than what it called for, but it turned out great and was fairly easy to do. If I am crazy enough to do another benefit, we will use this recipe.

    • 15 years ago

    We used this recipe for a benefit where we fed over 400 people, everyone enjoyed it. We increased the ingredients by 500, did the math, added a little more beef than what it called for, but it turned out great and was fairly easy to do. If I am crazy enough to do another benefit, we will use this recipe.

    • 15 years ago

    Sauce was wonderful. I made the mistake of not seasoning the meat while I was cooking it, so they came out very bland. Will definitely make again!

    • 15 years ago

    Sauce was wonderful. I made the mistake of not seasoning the meat while I was cooking it, so they came out very bland. Will definitely make again!

    • 15 years ago

    I made this for dinner lastnight. Very tasty and easy. Something I can cook even after I get home from work. I’ve attempted to make sauce before without luck, but this is clearly a winner.

    • 15 years ago

    I made this for dinner lastnight. Very tasty and easy. Something I can cook even after I get home from work. I’ve attempted to make sauce before without luck, but this is clearly a winner.

    • 15 years ago

    Oh my God that was good thank you. Next time I will add another half pound of meat and some mushrooms

    • 15 years ago

    Oh my God that was good thank you. Next time I will add another half pound of meat and some mushrooms

    • 15 years ago

    First time making spaghetti sauce from scratch and it came out awesome!! Very hearty and delicious. Thanks for the great recipe. Definitely recommend and will continue to use!

    • 15 years ago

    First time making spaghetti sauce from scratch and it came out awesome!! Very hearty and delicious. Thanks for the great recipe. Definitely recommend and will continue to use!

    • 15 years ago

    I liked this spaghetti sauce, I’ve been looking for a good recipe for a long time and it seems that I have found it. Thanks

    • 15 years ago

    I liked this spaghetti sauce, I’ve been looking for a good recipe for a long time and it seems that I have found it. Thanks

    • 15 years ago

    My fiance doesn’t care for spaghetti, but she asked where I got this sauce and now wants me to prepare it more often. I left out the pepper and subbed the onion for minced onion. Great tasting recipe.

    • 15 years ago

    My fiance doesn’t care for spaghetti, but she asked where I got this sauce and now wants me to prepare it more often. I left out the pepper and subbed the onion for minced onion. Great tasting recipe.

    • 15 years ago

    Nice flavored spaghetti sauce, however I did add a splash of red wine and a little extra herbs. I will make this again.

    • 15 years ago

    Nice flavored spaghetti sauce, however I did add a splash of red wine and a little extra herbs. I will make this again.

    • 15 years ago

    This turned out to be the best spaghetti sauce i’ve ever made. I made a few alterations which turned out very well. I added a tsp of cumin to the ground meat while I browned it along with a light sprinkling of cinnamon. I also added fresh mushrooms and used 5 sprigs of fresh basil instead of dried. Finally, I added a 1/2 tsp of brown sugar at the end for a little added flavor.

    • 15 years ago

    This turned out to be the best spaghetti sauce i’ve ever made. I made a few alterations which turned out very well. I added a tsp of cumin to the ground meat while I browned it along with a light sprinkling of cinnamon. I also added fresh mushrooms and used 5 sprigs of fresh basil instead of dried. Finally, I added a 1/2 tsp of brown sugar at the end for a little added flavor.

    • 15 years ago

    This is a great recipe! Kids and husband really enjoyed it! I omitted the green pepper and added lots of fresh basil. It freezes really well. Thanks Hank’s Mom!

    • 15 years ago

    This is a great recipe! Kids and husband really enjoyed it! I omitted the green pepper and added lots of fresh basil. It freezes really well. Thanks Hank’s Mom!

    • 15 years ago

    This is now my husband’s fave meat sauce. I did change a few things…I used a 28 oz can crushed tomatoes,fresh basil(a full bunch), added a splash of red wine, added 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, omitted green pepper,and lastly added about 1/4 t red pepper flakes. Even the kids loved it, thanks for the recipe

    • 15 years ago

    This is now my husband’s fave meat sauce. I did change a few things…I used a 28 oz can crushed tomatoes,fresh basil(a full bunch), added a splash of red wine, added 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, omitted green pepper,and lastly added about 1/4 t red pepper flakes. Even the kids loved it, thanks for the recipe

    • 14 years ago

    It tasted good! I substituted the green bell pepper for a red one! All in all good!

    • 14 years ago

    It tasted good! I substituted the green bell pepper for a red one! All in all good!

    • 14 years ago

    Great, basic spaghetti sauce recipe. Nice consistency and flavor. I used Italian seasoning instead of the basil and oregano, and I added crushed red pepper flakes. Overall very good, and a nice alternative to canned pasta sauce.

    • 14 years ago

    Great, basic spaghetti sauce recipe. Nice consistency and flavor. I used Italian seasoning instead of the basil and oregano, and I added crushed red pepper flakes. Overall very good, and a nice alternative to canned pasta sauce.

    • 14 years ago

    Used no peppers. Added 1 can mushrooms. Nice and thick

    • 14 years ago

    Used no peppers. Added 1 can mushrooms. Nice and thick

    • 14 years ago

    I use ingredients that I prefer- roasted red peppers instead of green, two fresh tomatoes and only one can of diced, plus an extra can of sauce. I will never used a jar of spaghetti sauce again!

    • 14 years ago

    I use ingredients that I prefer- roasted red peppers instead of green, two fresh tomatoes and only one can of diced, plus an extra can of sauce. I will never used a jar of spaghetti sauce again!

    • 14 years ago

    Sensational, I use to by spaghetti sauce in a can and doctor it up. This one is fabuloso. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Thanks for a great recipe

    • 14 years ago

    Sensational, I use to by spaghetti sauce in a can and doctor it up. This one is fabuloso. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Thanks for a great recipe

    • 14 years ago

    This recipe was wonderful, The only thing I changed was I added 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes instead of the diced tomatoes. I omitted the green pepper. This sauce was thick and very flavorful. A couple tsp. of sugar if you like it sweet. Thanks for sharing this recipe, it is my new sauce recipe.

    • 14 years ago

    This recipe was wonderful, The only thing I changed was I added 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes instead of the diced tomatoes. I omitted the green pepper. This sauce was thick and very flavorful. A couple tsp. of sugar if you like it sweet. Thanks for sharing this recipe, it is my new sauce recipe.

    • 14 years ago

    We cook this a lot, but instead of the peppers we use carrots. We usually add a little red wine (1/4litre) after browning the meat. If you leave it to cool down and heat it just before serving – add some fresh tomatoes and basil leaves, then it turns out perfect. My Boyfriend even likes to leave it to cook for a day.

    • 14 years ago

    We cook this a lot, but instead of the peppers we use carrots. We usually add a little red wine (1/4litre) after browning the meat. If you leave it to cool down and heat it just before serving – add some fresh tomatoes and basil leaves, then it turns out perfect. My Boyfriend even likes to leave it to cook for a day.

    • 14 years ago

    The wine!! The italians add wine to their sauce. When the ground beef is cooked, I put half a bottle of red wine an let it reduce by half. Then I add the tomatoes and let it cook. You don’t taste the alcool, it just gives more depth to the sauce. I also substitute the bell peppers for mushrooms.

    • 14 years ago

    The wine!! The italians add wine to their sauce. When the ground beef is cooked, I put half a bottle of red wine an let it reduce by half. Then I add the tomatoes and let it cook. You don’t taste the alcool, it just gives more depth to the sauce. I also substitute the bell peppers for mushrooms.

    • 14 years ago

    Excellent recipe and easy to add other veggies such as mushrooms and or celery. I switched the green pepper for red as they are sweeter. Also, added the herbs only during the last 15 minutes of cooking as basil loses its flavour fast if cooked longer.

    • 14 years ago

    Excellent recipe and easy to add other veggies such as mushrooms and or celery. I switched the green pepper for red as they are sweeter. Also, added the herbs only during the last 15 minutes of cooking as basil loses its flavour fast if cooked longer.

    • 14 years ago

    This is the same meat sauce recipe I’ve been using for years minus the peppers. I often add sliced, sauteed mushrooms and use crushed tomatoes instead of diced since we prefer a less chunky sauce.

    • 14 years ago

    This is the same meat sauce recipe I’ve been using for years minus the peppers. I often add sliced, sauteed mushrooms and use crushed tomatoes instead of diced since we prefer a less chunky sauce.

    • 14 years ago

    Great basic recipe. Mushrooms, bay leaf, and Italian sausage instead of ground beef would be good additions.

    • 14 years ago

    Great basic recipe. Mushrooms, bay leaf, and Italian sausage instead of ground beef would be good additions.

    • 14 years ago

    this same recipe was taught to me in the 50s. and the only changes are on HOLIDAYS we use chicken no fat and pork chops

    • 14 years ago

    this same recipe was taught to me in the 50s. and the only changes are on HOLIDAYS we use chicken no fat and pork chops

    • 14 years ago

    This is also my mom’s recipe for spaghetti sauce – easy, tried and true!

    • 14 years ago

    This is also my mom’s recipe for spaghetti sauce – easy, tried and true!

    • 14 years ago

    Being a Type II diabetic, I really appreciate a darned good sauce recipe w/o massive injections of sugar. Super!

    • 14 years ago

    Yes, this recipe is typical straight forward tomato sauce.But if you want it to JUMP OFF THE PLATE, consider these ingredients. 1) Anchovies! Saute with garlic and onion, drain, set aside. Then saute the beef, drain, return garlic/achhovies/onion to pot, add remaiming ingredients. 2) Splash of red wine vinegar (or more!), soy sauce, lots of fresh ground pepper, chili flakes(YES!). 3) And when you think the sauce is right, now comes the magic ingredient. Julia Child (God trest her soul) added BUTTER(4 tbls. plus) to it! Let’s face it, butter is the answer to anything. If it’s good enough for Julia, it’s good enough for me! 4) Last but not least: a good Italian Barbaresco/Borolo/Amarone!

    • 14 years ago

    Yes, this recipe is typical straight forward tomato sauce.But if you want it to JUMP OFF THE PLATE, consider these ingredients. 1) Anchovies! Saute with garlic and onion, drain, set aside. Then saute the beef, drain, return garlic/achhovies/onion to pot, add remaiming ingredients. 2) Splash of red wine vinegar (or more!), soy sauce, lots of fresh ground pepper, chili flakes(YES!). 3) And when you think the sauce is right, now comes the magic ingredient. Julia Child (God trest her soul) added BUTTER(4 tbls. plus) to it! Let’s face it, butter is the answer to anything. If it’s good enough for Julia, it’s good enough for me! 4) Last but not least: a good Italian Barbaresco/Borolo/Amarone!

    • 14 years ago

    This is the same recipe MY mother gave to me! The only difference is instead of bell pepper, I put in 2 dried chili peppers (and remove them before serving!) and a bay leaf. We like the little bit of bite the chilis add. And I agree, everyone loves it!

    • 14 years ago

    This is the same recipe MY mother gave to me! The only difference is instead of bell pepper, I put in 2 dried chili peppers (and remove them before serving!) and a bay leaf. We like the little bit of bite the chilis add. And I agree, everyone loves it!

    • 14 years ago

    Sounds good-I leave out the oregano and the basil-this one is similar to my Italian grandma-Mrs. Provenzo. YUM

    • 14 years ago

    Sounds good-I leave out the oregano and the basil-this one is similar to my Italian grandma-Mrs. Provenzo. YUM

    • 14 years ago

    This is the exact recipe I’ve made for years except I always add a 1/4 teaspoon or so of cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of sugar. Sometimes I throw in a few dried pepper flakes if I want a little more zing. I also bag any leftovers and freeze it for quick meals.

    • 14 years ago

    This is the exact recipe I’ve made for years except I always add a 1/4 teaspoon or so of cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of sugar. Sometimes I throw in a few dried pepper flakes if I want a little more zing. I also bag any leftovers and freeze it for quick meals.

    • 14 years ago

    This is a great recipe. If you want to add to it or delete from it then it becomes YOUR recipe. I have been making my sauce like this for years. Some times I add to it or leave something out.

    • 14 years ago

    This is a great recipe. If you want to add to it or delete from it then it becomes YOUR recipe. I have been making my sauce like this for years. Some times I add to it or leave something out.

    • 14 years ago

    TRY FRYING GROUND BEEF IN OLIVE OIL (!) AND OMIT THE OREGANO – ALSO I LIKE THE CRUSHED TOMATOES WITH A LITTLE SUGAR, AND NOT TOO MUCH RED WINE

    • 14 years ago

    TRY FRYING GROUND BEEF IN OLIVE OIL (!) AND OMIT THE OREGANO – ALSO I LIKE THE CRUSHED TOMATOES WITH A LITTLE SUGAR, AND NOT TOO MUCH RED WINE

    • 14 years ago

    This is really an old recipe as I have making it like this for 50+ years and I also use mushrooms in it. Iuse it as the sauce for my lasagna, my baked spagetti and baked ziti. It freezes well, so makae up a large batch and freeze part of it for a future meal.

    • 14 years ago

    Excellent sauce. I made two changes. I added one half lb of pork sausage and a can of mushrooms.

    • 14 years ago

    Excellent sauce. I made two changes. I added one half lb of pork sausage and a can of mushrooms.

    • 14 years ago

    I leave out the green pepper, as others have said, too. They don’t like me and I don’t the flavor of them anyway. Green peppers seem to take over the flavor of anything they are in. Great recipe otherwise. Thanks for sharing, Hank’s Mom!

    • 14 years ago

    I leave out the green pepper, as others have said, too. They don’t like me and I don’t the flavor of them anyway. Green peppers seem to take over the flavor of anything they are in. Great recipe otherwise. Thanks for sharing, Hank’s Mom!

    • 14 years ago

    I am Ialian and my spaghetti sauce is almost identical to this except I also add a tablespoon of capers, fresh basil & parsely with some organo & a tsp. of sugar.

    • 14 years ago

    I am Ialian and my spaghetti sauce is almost identical to this except I also add a tablespoon of capers, fresh basil & parsely with some organo & a tsp. of sugar.

    • 14 years ago

    I don’t even need to try this, you see this is my recipe that I came up with when I was first married. A winner everytime. Could be that we are related? (smile)

    • 14 years ago

    I don’t even need to try this, you see this is my recipe that I came up with when I was first married. A winner everytime. Could be that we are related? (smile)

    • 14 years ago

    Great basic recipe. I also add a bay leaf, and 1/8 to 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. An old italian woman taught my mom to add the grated parmesan, it really adds flavor, depth, richness and thickens it.

    • 14 years ago

    Great basic recipe. I also add a bay leaf, and 1/8 to 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. An old italian woman taught my mom to add the grated parmesan, it really adds flavor, depth, richness and thickens it.

    • 14 years ago

    this is basically the recipe i have used for years. secret is the tomato paste. to make life easier–i add to slow cooker and cook on low for several hours. great to cook all day while at work. that makes the sauce richer and not have the sweet taste you get when cooking for shorter periods of time. you will love it cooked in slow cooker. italian seasoning works also. i leave off the bell pepper. i increase amounts because i cook for large group.

    • 14 years ago

    this is basically the recipe i have used for years. secret is the tomato paste. to make life easier–i add to slow cooker and cook on low for several hours. great to cook all day while at work. that makes the sauce richer and not have the sweet taste you get when cooking for shorter periods of time. you will love it cooked in slow cooker. italian seasoning works also. i leave off the bell pepper. i increase amounts because i cook for large group.

    • 14 years ago

    Mine is very similar except I use Italian Turkey Sausage instead of beef and I add a teaspoon of sugar, 4oz can of sliced black olives and a half cup of red wine just before serving

    • 14 years ago

    Mine is very similar except I use Italian Turkey Sausage instead of beef and I add a teaspoon of sugar, 4oz can of sliced black olives and a half cup of red wine just before serving

    • 14 years ago

    I have been making this sauce for years, I add about a Tbs. of chili powder and 1lb fresh mushrooms. I always add at least a tsp of sugar with any tomato dish, as it brings out the tomato flavor. nancybk

    • 14 years ago

    I have been making this sauce for years, I add about a Tbs. of chili powder and 1lb fresh mushrooms. I always add at least a tsp of sugar with any tomato dish, as it brings out the tomato flavor. nancybk

    • 14 years ago

    This is almost the same as ours except for a small can of water and my Aunt always grated the green pepper and onion so that as kids we would not see it and refuse to eat. Now, that I cook, I find grating it actually makes it taste even better. We also add 1 teaspoon of sugar to cut the acid of the tomatoes

    • 14 years ago

    This is almost the same as ours except for a small can of water and my Aunt always grated the green pepper and onion so that as kids we would not see it and refuse to eat. Now, that I cook, I find grating it actually makes it taste even better. We also add 1 teaspoon of sugar to cut the acid of the tomatoes

    • 14 years ago

    • 14 years ago

    • 14 years ago

    Just had this for dinner and everyone loved it! The only thing I changed was that I omitted the green pepper as I didn’t have one on hand. I will try it again and add the green pepper.

    • 14 years ago

    Just had this for dinner and everyone loved it! The only thing I changed was that I omitted the green pepper as I didn’t have one on hand. I will try it again and add the green pepper.

    • 14 years ago

    I’d been using Prego for years, but recently got bored with it and started to experiment. My family agrees that this is much better than and jar sauce we have tried! I rinsed the ground beef in hot water and drained after it was cooked, to reduce the fat content. I used crushed tomatoes instead of diced because my son would pick around the diced tomatoes (he’s a picky eater), and I added a small (6 oz, maybe) can of drained, sliced mushrooms. Otherwise, I made as directed, and it was really good! Will make again. Thanks!

    • 14 years ago

    I’d been using Prego for years, but recently got bored with it and started to experiment. My family agrees that this is much better than and jar sauce we have tried! I rinsed the ground beef in hot water and drained after it was cooked, to reduce the fat content. I used crushed tomatoes instead of diced because my son would pick around the diced tomatoes (he’s a picky eater), and I added a small (6 oz, maybe) can of drained, sliced mushrooms. Otherwise, I made as directed, and it was really good! Will make again. Thanks!

    • 14 years ago

    nice recipe in new england area we mix elbow mac into it and it is referred to as american chop-suey don’t ask why but this term goes back to the 50’s here

    • 14 years ago

    nice recipe in new england area we mix elbow mac into it and it is referred to as american chop-suey don’t ask why but this term goes back to the 50’s here

    • 14 years ago

    This recipe was SO easy and it tasted SO good! I did’t have any green pepper on hand but it certainly didn’t seem to matter.

    • 14 years ago

    This recipe was SO easy and it tasted SO good! I did’t have any green pepper on hand but it certainly didn’t seem to matter.

    • 14 years ago

    Always thinking of ways to include vege so…. and reduce red meat quanity. Also freeze multiple meals. I addeded a good quantity very small pieces of chopped broccoli & zuccini with the tomatoes etc. I also added a can of mushroom bits and pieces. (although I would normally add fresh mushrooms if on hand) This enabled me to reduce the beef quantity, but retain the flavour I always make double plus quantities of recipe’s that are ok for freezing so froze portions for future use. Whenever I cook pasta or rice i cook large amounts so i can freeze cooked portions in 100gr freezer bags. To use either micorwave or soak in hot water…

    • 14 years ago

    Always thinking of ways to include vege so…. and reduce red meat quanity. Also freeze multiple meals. I addeded a good quantity very small pieces of chopped broccoli & zuccini with the tomatoes etc. I also added a can of mushroom bits and pieces. (although I would normally add fresh mushrooms if on hand) This enabled me to reduce the beef quantity, but retain the flavour I always make double plus quantities of recipe’s that are ok for freezing so froze portions for future use. Whenever I cook pasta or rice i cook large amounts so i can freeze cooked portions in 100gr freezer bags. To use either micorwave or soak in hot water…

    • 14 years ago

    I expected more from this recipe. My family and I were sadly disappointed with it. I followed the recipe as written but the spices overpowered it.

    • 14 years ago

    I expected more from this recipe. My family and I were sadly disappointed with it. I followed the recipe as written but the spices overpowered it.

    • 14 years ago

    I’ve been making my spaghetti like this for years. I do add a couple of splashes of red wine, mushrroms and lil sugar. PERFECT!

    • 14 years ago

    I’ve been making my spaghetti like this for years. I do add a couple of splashes of red wine, mushrroms and lil sugar. PERFECT!

    • 14 years ago

    This is the same sauce I have been making forever, I add Hot Italian sometimes just to spice it up a bit~

    • 14 years ago

    This is the same sauce I have been making forever, I add Hot Italian sometimes just to spice it up a bit~

    • 14 years ago

    I have made a similar version for years which everyone can’t believe how good it comes out and how simple it is. I tried this one and it’s very good but I prefer mine variations. I don’t use peppers or italian seasoning (I hate oregano). I use Stewed tomatoes instead of diced (that’s where you get the pepper flavoring). My seasonings are Mrs. Dash (table blend), Beaumonde (a spice blend from Spice Island) and dried rosemary (about 1/4 tsp crushed in your hand). I also add about 1-2 Tbl sugar (as noted by one of the reviewers) to bring down the tomato acidity. Everything else is exactly the same. Try it either way. Both are very good recipes.

    • 14 years ago

    I have made a similar version for years which everyone can’t believe how good it comes out and how simple it is. I tried this one and it’s very good but I prefer mine variations. I don’t use peppers or italian seasoning (I hate oregano). I use Stewed tomatoes instead of diced (that’s where you get the pepper flavoring). My seasonings are Mrs. Dash (table blend), Beaumonde (a spice blend from Spice Island) and dried rosemary (about 1/4 tsp crushed in your hand). I also add about 1-2 Tbl sugar (as noted by one of the reviewers) to bring down the tomato acidity. Everything else is exactly the same. Try it either way. Both are very good recipes.

    • 14 years ago

    My family has been making sauce like this for decades. Well before we could afford Ragu or Prego (smile). This is awesome sauce that is easly to make with lots of flavor.

    • 14 years ago

    My family has been making sauce like this for decades. Well before we could afford Ragu or Prego (smile). This is awesome sauce that is easly to make with lots of flavor.

    • 14 years ago

    I have been making a similar recipe for years and everyone who tastes it, loves it. I add chopped celery and mushrooms to the sauce as well as a bay leaf and a pinch of red pepper spice. I also use sugar to cut the acid and I make meatballs that I cook in the oven then mix into the sauce while simmering. It is delicious as spagetti sauce, but I also use it as the base for home made pizza.

    • 14 years ago

    I have been making a similar recipe for years and everyone who tastes it, loves it. I add chopped celery and mushrooms to the sauce as well as a bay leaf and a pinch of red pepper spice. I also use sugar to cut the acid and I make meatballs that I cook in the oven then mix into the sauce while simmering. It is delicious as spagetti sauce, but I also use it as the base for home made pizza.

    • 14 years ago

    This recipe is wonderful. We’ve added a few things: we use about a pound and a half of ground beef, add a little sugar (less than a tsp), cayenne, chili powder, a bay leaf, and a sprinkle of fennel. These spices really make the sauce rich. I wish I could give exact measurements, but I tend to cook by taste. Give it a try — it’s really good.

    • 14 years ago

    This recipe is wonderful. We’ve added a few things: we use about a pound and a half of ground beef, add a little sugar (less than a tsp), cayenne, chili powder, a bay leaf, and a sprinkle of fennel. These spices really make the sauce rich. I wish I could give exact measurements, but I tend to cook by taste. Give it a try — it’s really good.

    • 14 years ago

    I fixed this for supper tonight and it went over wonderful. Wife even went back for a second helping even though she doesn?t like tomatoes. The best spaghetti sauce I have ever eaten. I began by browning the ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a sauce pan. While the meat and vegetables where browning, I combined the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste in the crock pot. Once the meat and vegetables where brown, I added the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and let that simmer for a short time. I then combined all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it simmer for four hours.

    • 14 years ago

    I fixed this for supper tonight and it went over wonderful. Wife even went back for a second helping even though she doesn?t like tomatoes. The best spaghetti sauce I have ever eaten. I began by browning the ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a sauce pan. While the meat and vegetables where browning, I combined the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste in the crock pot. Once the meat and vegetables where brown, I added the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and let that simmer for a short time. I then combined all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it simmer for four hours.

    • 14 years ago

    I thought this recipes was excellent. I found a perfect recipe for me. And tastes great!

    • 14 years ago

    I thought this recipes was excellent. I found a perfect recipe for me. And tastes great!

    • 14 years ago

    I have a similar recipe handed down from my italian Nonna. Skip the peppers and add 2grated carrots, a level tsp of sugar, and half a glass of red wine. I use passata (sieved tomatoes) instead of diced tomatoes but if thats not available I prefer canned whole tomatoes.

    • 14 years ago

    I have a similar recipe handed down from my italian Nonna. Skip the peppers and add 2grated carrots, a level tsp of sugar, and half a glass of red wine. I use passata (sieved tomatoes) instead of diced tomatoes but if thats not available I prefer canned whole tomatoes.

    • 14 years ago

    Interesting. This is exactly the same recipe I have used for years, with just minor variations. I don’t use the green bell pepper. Otherwise the recipe is the same, except I usually add some black olives (whole or chopped) and champignons (chopped if large, whole if small). One ingredient I consider crucial is either a tablesp of vinegar (any vinegar) or a dl of red wine.

    • 14 years ago

    Interesting. This is exactly the same recipe I have used for years, with just minor variations. I don’t use the green bell pepper. Otherwise the recipe is the same, except I usually add some black olives (whole or chopped) and champignons (chopped if large, whole if small). One ingredient I consider crucial is either a tablesp of vinegar (any vinegar) or a dl of red wine.

    • 14 years ago

    Very good… Missing something though.. Maybe I’ll add red wine and fresh basil next time. But very delish! I did add a small jalapeno pepper, cayenne, and crushed red.. We love spice in this house!! Loved the green bell pepper and will use this recipe again!!

    • 14 years ago

    Very good… Missing something though.. Maybe I’ll add red wine and fresh basil next time. But very delish! I did add a small jalapeno pepper, cayenne, and crushed red.. We love spice in this house!! Loved the green bell pepper and will use this recipe again!!

    • 14 years ago

    Very yummy! Made a lot so I would have leftovers – next time I will add more ground beef as I like a meatier sauce – I also snuck in some thyme, parsley, red pepper, and mushrooms – but just because my boyfriend wanted them, I liked the sauce as it was before any of that stuff 🙂

    • 14 years ago

    Very yummy! Made a lot so I would have leftovers – next time I will add more ground beef as I like a meatier sauce – I also snuck in some thyme, parsley, red pepper, and mushrooms – but just because my boyfriend wanted them, I liked the sauce as it was before any of that stuff 🙂

    • 14 years ago

    Really Good and I am one of those people who normally will not eat Spaghetti and Meat Sauce. I used several Angus Beef Patties instead of ground beef and cut down on the recipe since it was for only two people. Very tasty.

    • 14 years ago

    Really Good and I am one of those people who normally will not eat Spaghetti and Meat Sauce. I used several Angus Beef Patties instead of ground beef and cut down on the recipe since it was for only two people. Very tasty.

    • 14 years ago

    I was looking for something to cook for dinner tonight and saw this recipe. I figured I would give it a try. I just fixed it and it is YUMMY! I am not a fan of green pepper, so I left it out, but it didn’t seem to take away any flavor. It was easy to prepare, fills the house with wonderful restaurant smells and it is delicious to boot. It is a keeper and I plan to fix it again and again. I say TRY IT!! I don’t think you will be sorry. 🙂

    • 14 years ago

    I was looking for something to cook for dinner tonight and saw this recipe. I figured I would give it a try. I just fixed it and it is YUMMY! I am not a fan of green pepper, so I left it out, but it didn’t seem to take away any flavor. It was easy to prepare, fills the house with wonderful restaurant smells and it is delicious to boot. It is a keeper and I plan to fix it again and again. I say TRY IT!! I don’t think you will be sorry. 🙂

    • 14 years ago

    sure wish local restaurants could make sauce this good,truely amazing

    • 14 years ago

    sure wish local restaurants could make sauce this good,truely amazing

    • 14 years ago

    best spagetti sauce ~ Quick and easy, Sooo much better then bottled sauce

    • 14 years ago

    best spagetti sauce ~ Quick and easy, Sooo much better then bottled sauce

    • 14 years ago

    Made the recipe as is with no changes and this turned out to be the best spaghetti sauce i have ever made! Thank you for the recipe!

    • 14 years ago

    Made the recipe as is with no changes and this turned out to be the best spaghetti sauce i have ever made! Thank you for the recipe!

    • 14 years ago

    Good little spaghetti sauce as is and can be tweaked to your liking. Next time I will try adding a little red wine just to see what it does to the taste. Thank you for sharing!

    • 14 years ago

    Good little spaghetti sauce as is and can be tweaked to your liking. Next time I will try adding a little red wine just to see what it does to the taste. Thank you for sharing!

    • 14 years ago

    This tasted just like my moms spaghetti sauce growing up. Extremely delicious!! I don’t think my husband will ever allow me to get away with using jarred spaghetti sauce again! 🙂

    • 14 years ago

    This tasted just like my moms spaghetti sauce growing up. Extremely delicious!! I don’t think my husband will ever allow me to get away with using jarred spaghetti sauce again! 🙂

    • 14 years ago

    this is the same recipe that I learned as a kid- only I add brown sugar and mushrooms. Everyone always raves about how hearty it is!

    • 14 years ago

    this is the same recipe that I learned as a kid- only I add brown sugar and mushrooms. Everyone always raves about how hearty it is!

    • 14 years ago

    I have made this sauce so many times in the last year after discovering it on this site. It is quick, easy, and freezes very well. I add a bit of sugar to cut the acidity. Also, sometimes I have made it without the peppers and have not noticed a discernible difference. I use half ground beef/half sweet Italian sausage, and also prefer to use whole tomatoes, which add more flavor, and break down nicely as the sauce simmers.

    • 14 years ago

    I have made this sauce so many times in the last year after discovering it on this site. It is quick, easy, and freezes very well. I add a bit of sugar to cut the acidity. Also, sometimes I have made it without the peppers and have not noticed a discernible difference. I use half ground beef/half sweet Italian sausage, and also prefer to use whole tomatoes, which add more flavor, and break down nicely as the sauce simmers.

    • 14 years ago

    I love it! My hubby does not like onions, so he just thought it was okay.

    • 14 years ago

    I love it! My hubby does not like onions, so he just thought it was okay.

    • 14 years ago

    I love it! My hubby does not like onions, so he just thought it was okay.

    • 14 years ago

    This is the best meat sauce I have found. I made it for supper tonight and my husband loved it. I made the recipe exactly as written and I would not change a thing. Delicious….thank you.

    • 14 years ago

    This is the best meat sauce I have found. I made it for supper tonight and my husband loved it. I made the recipe exactly as written and I would not change a thing. Delicious….thank you.

    • 14 years ago

    This was pretty good. I added 1 tsp of sugar as suggested by other reviewers. I think I will add more meat next time as we like a meatier sauce. Thanks for sharing

    • 14 years ago

    This was pretty good. I added 1 tsp of sugar as suggested by other reviewers. I think I will add more meat next time as we like a meatier sauce. Thanks for sharing

    • 14 years ago

    I found this to be a little too tomato-ey. I had to add a couple of large pinches of sugar to balance out the acidity. I won’t be making this again.

    • 14 years ago

    I found this to be a little too tomato-ey. I had to add a couple of large pinches of sugar to balance out the acidity. I won’t be making this again.

    • 14 years ago

    Other than replacing beef with ground turkey I followed the recipe exactly. It is a keeper.

    • 14 years ago

    Other than replacing beef with ground turkey I followed the recipe exactly. It is a keeper.

    • 14 years ago

    I added 2 extra cloves of garlic and changed the peppers to a pepper blend of black pepper and dehydrated sweet peppers. My husband tasted this and said I finally made some great pasta sauce. My poor attempts at sauce making are legendary with my family. LOL This recipe has ended my lousy record!

    • 14 years ago

    I added 2 extra cloves of garlic and changed the peppers to a pepper blend of black pepper and dehydrated sweet peppers. My husband tasted this and said I finally made some great pasta sauce. My poor attempts at sauce making are legendary with my family. LOL This recipe has ended my lousy record!

    • 14 years ago

    Great easy spaghetti sauce recipe. My wife and I alternate cooking every other day, so on my day I gave this a try and we weren’t disappointed. I did add fresh chopped mushrooms to it.

    • 14 years ago

    Great easy spaghetti sauce recipe. My wife and I alternate cooking every other day, so on my day I gave this a try and we weren’t disappointed. I did add fresh chopped mushrooms to it.

    • 14 years ago

    A great base recipe!

    • 14 years ago

    A great base recipe!

    • 14 years ago

    We really enjoyed this recipe with pasta or as a filling for stuffed peppers. When I made this a added a little thyme (don’t add a lot), marjoram, basil and oregano. I have also made without onion, garlic or peppers and it’s still delicious. This recipe works well with stuffed peppers too – I microwave the peppers till fork tender, boil and add 1 package of Success brown rice to the meat mix and fill peppers, with leftover sauce surrounding the peppers and bake in 350 oven about 12 to 15 minutes, just till cheddar cheese on top melts, as everything is very hot when I assemble the stuffed peppers. Too make it healthier I use salt free tomato products.

    • 14 years ago

    We really enjoyed this recipe with pasta or as a filling for stuffed peppers. When I made this a added a little thyme (don’t add a lot), marjoram, basil and oregano. I have also made without onion, garlic or peppers and it’s still delicious. This recipe works well with stuffed peppers too – I microwave the peppers till fork tender, boil and add 1 package of Success brown rice to the meat mix and fill peppers, with leftover sauce surrounding the peppers and bake in 350 oven about 12 to 15 minutes, just till cheddar cheese on top melts, as everything is very hot when I assemble the stuffed peppers. Too make it healthier I use salt free tomato products.

    • 14 years ago

    I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I make this once a week and my husband and kids never get tired of it. The only thing different I do is add some sugar, about 3 Tablespoons, to take the bitterness out. Also, we don’t like green pepper, so I omit them. Anyway, thanks for a great recipe, I’ll never make spaghetti any other way again!

    • 14 years ago

    I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I make this once a week and my husband and kids never get tired of it. The only thing different I do is add some sugar, about 3 Tablespoons, to take the bitterness out. Also, we don’t like green pepper, so I omit them. Anyway, thanks for a great recipe, I’ll never make spaghetti any other way again!

    • 14 years ago

    This was a really good recipe and we enjoyed it alot! I did add some sugar to cut the bitterness of the tomatoes, and I also added a little Italian seasoning also. It was very good and easy to make.It had ingredients I always have around, plus it didn’t have to cook all day. Thanks for sharing!

    • 14 years ago

    This was a really good recipe and we enjoyed it alot! I did add some sugar to cut the bitterness of the tomatoes, and I also added a little Italian seasoning also. It was very good and easy to make.It had ingredients I always have around, plus it didn’t have to cook all day. Thanks for sharing!

    • 14 years ago

    Thanks. I made dinner for tonight. My boyfriend loved the dish. I am beginner cook and trying new dishes. so far this is best!!!

    • 14 years ago

    Thanks. I made dinner for tonight. My boyfriend loved the dish. I am beginner cook and trying new dishes. so far this is best!!!

    • 14 years ago

    Delish! Didn’t change a thing (oh, except for leaving out the greeen peppers – we don’t care for them). Thanks, Hank’s Mom!

    • 14 years ago

    Delish! Didn’t change a thing (oh, except for leaving out the greeen peppers – we don’t care for them). Thanks, Hank’s Mom!

    • 14 years ago

    I used fresh tomatoes and bison instead of ground beef.

    • 14 years ago

    I used fresh tomatoes and bison instead of ground beef.

    • 14 years ago

    this was my first time making sauce. turned out amazing. i added 2 extra cloves of garlic. omitted the bell pepper and added mushrooms. also added a touch of italian seasoning. added about 1 teaspoon sugar. let it simmer for a while in the crock pot. it was delicious.

    • 14 years ago

    this was my first time making sauce. turned out amazing. i added 2 extra cloves of garlic. omitted the bell pepper and added mushrooms. also added a touch of italian seasoning. added about 1 teaspoon sugar. let it simmer for a while in the crock pot. it was delicious.

    • 14 years ago

    very easy to make and yummy. I did add mushrooms and about 1/2 tablespoon of sugar.

    • 14 years ago

    very easy to make and yummy. I did add mushrooms and about 1/2 tablespoon of sugar.

    • 14 years ago

    Excellent. I used sausage instead of ground beef. Next time I think I’ll try crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes because the kids didn’t like the chunks.

    • 14 years ago

    Excellent. I used sausage instead of ground beef. Next time I think I’ll try crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes because the kids didn’t like the chunks.

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