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.
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)
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.
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source by allrecipe
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- by: Glenda
- 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.
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- by: Glenda
- 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.
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- by: Douglas
- 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.
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- by: Douglas
- 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.
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- by: Hmb812001
- 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
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- by: Hmb812001
- 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
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- by: Joannep
- 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.
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- by: Joannep
- 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.
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- by: Nicole Schiefer
- 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.
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- by: Nicole Schiefer
- 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.
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- by: Louise
- 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.
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- by: Louise
- 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.
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- by: The Connasewer
- 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!
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- by: The Connasewer
- 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!
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- by: Vicki Morgan Melton
- 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.
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- by: Vicki Morgan Melton
- 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.
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- by: Jeannine K
- 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
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- by: Jeannine K
- 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
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- by: Nikki Robinson Brooks
- 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!
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- by: Nikki Robinson Brooks
- 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!
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- by: Vikki
- 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…
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- by: Vikki
- 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…
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- by: Sharon
- 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.
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- by: Sharon
- 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.
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- by: Cookerchick
- 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.
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- by: Cookerchick
- 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.
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- by: Kathy Lynn
- 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.
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- by: Kathy Lynn
- 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.
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- by: Morin3
- 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.
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- by: Morin3
- 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.
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- by: Joona
- 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.
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- by: Joona
- 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.
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- by: Xxstardrifterxx
- 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 🙂
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- by: Xxstardrifterxx
- 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 🙂
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- by: Sheila
- 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. 🙂
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- by: Sheila
- 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. 🙂
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- by: Kristen Jones-Schmittgen
- 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.
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- by: Kristen Jones-Schmittgen
- 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.
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- by: JONANNER
- 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!
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- by: JONANNER
- 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!
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- by: JUDI BAKES
- 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.
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- by: JUDI BAKES
- 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.
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- by: Barb Andrews
- 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!
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- by: Barb Andrews
- 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!
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- by: Janet Shum
- 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!
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- by: Janet Shum
- 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!
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