Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Whip up a comforting dinner in no time with this Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce—a classic recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato-based meat sauce, this dish is a kitchen favorite. Made with hearty ground beef, aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a blend of Italian seasonings, this one-skillet wonder comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The optional pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil takes each bite to the next level. Serve this crowd-pleasing spaghetti recipe with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal your whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 quarts water
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 7

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.

Step 8

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

Step 9

Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Add 1 teaspoon of sugar if the tomatoes taste overly acidic.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 11

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 12

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4700.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2313.9

Total Fat 130.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 348.5mg	0%
Sodium 10347.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 39.3g
Protein 128.7g	0%

Vitamin D 23.7IU	0%
Calcium 1110.6mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 3530.9mg	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: 49.6%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 28.6%