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–+ servings

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic family favorite. Savory ground meat simmers in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and herbs until the flavors deepen into a hearty, comforting sauce. Spooned over tender spaghetti, it makes a satisfying weeknight dinner, especially with a sprinkle of Parmesan, a crisp green salad, and warm garlic bread on the side.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 824 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2-1 ½ lbs ground beef adjust to preference
  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes or two 15-ounce cans
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 12 oz tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 lbs spaghetti noodles
  • Parmesan cheese grated; optional, for serving

Instructions
 

Stovetop Method

  • Brown the ground beef in a large stockpot. Drain excess fat as needed. Leaner beef may not need draining.
  • Add all remaining sauce ingredients, keeping the spaghetti noodles and optional Parmesan separate. Bring sauce to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes to several hours.
  • Cook the spaghetti according to its package directions. Drain well and stir into the sauce.
  • Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

Slow-Cooker Method — Alternative

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain excess fat as needed.
  • Place the cooked beef and all remaining sauce ingredients in the slow cooker, keeping the spaghetti noodles and optional Parmesan separate. Cook sauce on low for at least 4 hours.
  • Cook the spaghetti according to its package directions. Drain well and combine with the sauce.
  • Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Choose one method: Use either the stovetop directions or the slow-cooker directions; do not follow both.
Meat amount: The original allows 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef and also suggests omitting meat. No alternative broth is specified for a meatless version.
Tomatoes: Use one 28-ounce can OR two 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes.
Timing: After browning the beef and combining the remaining sauce ingredients, simmer the sauce on the stove for 30 minutes to several hours, or slow-cook on low for at least 4 hours. 

Nutrition

Calories: 824kcalCarbohydrates: 129gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 1226mgPotassium: 1279mgFiber: 8gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1042IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 6mg
Keyword homemade spaghetti sauce, slow cooker spaghetti sauce, spaghetti with meat sauce
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