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Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
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Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti pasta topped with a savory, slow-simmered meat sauce made from ground beef or pork, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and garlic. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering nostalgic, rich flavors that please all ages and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water

To Serve

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • Fresh basil or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors into the sauce.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned all over with no pink remaining, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push the browned meat to one side of the skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 20 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld perfectly.
  6. Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta once done.
  7. Combine and Serve: Toss the hot spaghetti with the meat sauce or ladle the sauce over the pasta. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for a brighter, more robust flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
  • Aim to cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to deepen flavor and improve consistency.
  • Add salt gradually during cooking to avoid over-seasoning and enhance the taste.
  • Let the sauce rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld even more.

Nutrition

Keywords: classic spaghetti, meat sauce, Italian pasta recipe, comfort food, family dinner, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/classic-spaghetti-with-meat-sauce/