Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about a homemade spaghetti sauce that’s been slowly simmered with love. This recipe is simple but full of flavor, using basic pantry ingredients to create a delicious, comforting meal. It’s great for busy weeknights, easy to double for leftovers, and always a family favorite. The savory meat sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, delivering bold, nostalgic flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
yellow onion
garlic
olive oil
canned crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
tomato sauce
dried oregano
dried basil
salt
black pepper
sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
cooked spaghetti noodles
Parmesan cheese (for serving)
fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if using.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Meaty twist: Add ground Italian sausage or use a mix of beef and pork for extra depth.
- Vegetable boost: Stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- No beef? Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option.
- Sauce-only: Skip the meat entirely for a classic marinara-style sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm sauce on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Microwave individual portions of pasta and sauce for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel, seed, and cook them longer for the sauce to reduce properly.
How do I make this sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid, or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes. A splash of red wine adds depth—just cook it for a few minutes after adding to reduce the alcohol.
Is this sauce good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day and freezes very well.
What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional, but you can use any pasta shape—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine also work great.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Should I rinse my pasta after cooking?
No. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Just drain and toss with the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too acidic?
A pinch of sugar or a splash of cream can help mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. This is a great recipe to make in bulk for freezing or feeding a crowd.
What can I serve with spaghetti?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables make great sides for this meal.
Conclusion
Mom’s Homemade Spaghetti is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, nostalgic hug in a bowl. With its rich meat sauce, classic seasonings, and cozy simplicity, it’s a dish that brings families together and turns any dinner into a comforting occasion. Whether you’re making it for Sunday supper or a weeknight dinner, this timeless recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
PrintMom’s Homemade Spaghetti
Mom’s Homemade Spaghetti is a comforting classic featuring a rich, meaty tomato sauce simmered with garlic, herbs, and pantry staples. Served over spaghetti and topped with Parmesan, it’s a beloved family favorite perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti. Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- To reduce acidity, add a splash of cream or a pinch of baking soda.
- Double the sauce and freeze half for another meal.
- Use Italian sausage or a beef/pork mix for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups with pasta
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: undefined
