Deb and Walt's Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Elevate your pasta nights with "Deb and Walt's Spaghetti Meat Sauce," a timeless recipe packed with robust flavors and home-cooked charm. This hearty sauce starts with a savory base of sautéed onions and garlic, followed by perfectly browned ground beef and an aromatic blend of dried oregano, basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a touch of sugar for balanced acidity, this sauce achieves a rich, velvety texture in just 45 minutes of cooking. Serve it generously over spaghetti for a comforting classic or your favorite pasta shape for a delightful twist. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this spaghetti meat sauce recipe is easy, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, and water to the pan. Stir until well combined.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially with a lid, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper to suit your preference.

Step 9

Serve the sauce hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1693.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1722.3

Total Fat 122.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 313.1mg	0%
Sodium 3692.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 74.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.0g	0%
Total Sugars 46.1g
Protein 90.4g	0%

Vitamin D 28.1IU	0%
Calcium 389.8mg	0%
Iron 18.7mg	0%
Potassium 4403.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.6%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 16.9%