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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Savory

    Meat Sauce

    October 30, 2023 By Sam 30 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
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    collage of spaghetti meat sauce, top image of spaghetti in pot, bottom image photographed from above

    Spaghetti with meat sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner! My meat sauce recipe packs a punch of flavor and even freezes well for future meals. Recipe includes a how-to video!

    Tongs tossing spaghetti with meat sauce in a large pot.

    My Favorite Meat Sauce Recipe

    Looking for a new dish for your dinner rotation? Spaghetti with meat sauce is one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals! My recipe comes together in one pot on the stove, and it’s just as easy as making sloppy joes (another family favorite!).

    Why you’ll love it:

    • Incredible flavor: my recipe has a classic, restaurant-quality flavor that is so much better than anything from the store.
    • Freezes well: this recipe is great for making ahead for an even quicker weeknight meal.
    • Simple: most of the time in this recipe is spent letting the sauce simmer (I use this time to get the kitchen straightened up and table set!). 
    • One pot dish means minimal clean-up!

    I focused a lot on flavor when developing this meat sauce recipe. So many recipes or store-bought sauces fall flat, but I promise you this one doesn’t. It has depth from the garlic and the seasoned meat, body from the wine (this can always be substituted with broth), and plenty of fresh basil as the cherry on top. Trust me, you’re going to want to try this!

    What You Need

    I carefully selected these ingredients so this meat sauce recipe would be FULL of flavor! Here are the most important ones you’ll need today.

    Overhead view of ingredients including red wine, tomatoes, ground beef, and more.
    • Ground beef. Ground beef is a classic choice, but you could switch things up and use half or all Italian sausage instead. Sweet Italian sausage would be my choice, but if you like a little spice or are an arrabiata sauce fan, spicy Italian sausage would work well too.
    • Canned tomatoes. Whole tomatoes work best here and are my preference, I love using them in many of my sauce recipes including my vodka sauce. I recommend grabbing san marzano tomatoes if you can find them. In a pinch, you could substitute an undrained can of crushed tomatoes.
    • Spices. Including parsley, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and a bay leaf. I personally love using fresh basil here (the flavor is unparalleled), but I know not everyone has access to it, so I made sure to include measurements for fresh or dry.
    • Wine. Dry red wine in a classic choice here, but a cooking wine will work too. Or, if you’d prefer to skip the wine altogether, you can use beef, vegetable, or chicken stock instead.
    • Pasta. I think spaghetti works really well here, but you can use your favorite pasta. I include instructions for stirring the pasta right in or serving separately.

    SAM’S TIP: A tablespoon of sugar might seem out of place here, but it helps counteract the acidity of the tomatoes without making this sauce taste sweet (just like in my tomato soup and ziti recipes. You always could skip this, but I recommend adding it for best results.

    Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

    How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Three photos showing onion and garlic cooking in a pot before ground beef is added and browned.
    1. Cook the onion in olive oil until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
    2. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook until the meat is browned, then drain off any excess grease.
    3. Stir in the tomato paste and sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste caramelizes.
    Four photos showing tomatoes being added to ground beef to make meat sauce.
    1. Drizzle in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan as you go. Cook until the wine loses its pungent alcohol smell and the mixture is reduced by half.
    2. Stir in the water and tomatoes and use a spoon or spatula to crush the tomatoes as they cook.
    3. Add the remaining spices and let simmer partially covered for at least 30 minutes.
    4. Serve with pasta and parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

    SAM’S TIP: Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water and use a few splashes to help the pasta and sauce combine easier. This creates a glossy, perfectly textured sauce that clings to the noodles.

    Close up view of a cast iron pan of meat sauce.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can this meat sauce recipe be frozen?

    Yes! Just make sure to freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Also, note that I don’t recommend freezing the pasta, just the sauce.

    What’s the difference between meat sauce and bolognese?

    While they are both technically sauces that contain meat, bolognese typically includes some dairy like milk or cream and occasionally vegetables like carrots and celery. Sometimes bolognese even includes pork.

    What type of pasta goes with meat sauce?

    Really any kind works well. I personally like to use spaghetti or fettuccine. Rigatoni, penne, or bucatini are also especially good choices though since they are hollow and the sauce can really soak into the pasta.

    Overhead view of a large saucepan of spaghetti with meat sauce.

    Don’t forget to serve your spaghetti and meat sauce with some garlic knots or breadsticks on the side!

    Enjoy!

    Let’s cook together! Subscribe to my newsletter and make sure to follow along on YouTube where I have over 500 free video tutorials! 💜

    Tongs tossing spaghetti with meat sauce in a large pot.

    Meat Sauce

    Spaghetti with meat sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner! My meat sauce recipe packs a punch of flavor and even freezes well for future meals.
    Recipe includes a how-to video!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Dinner, sauce
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 435kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 cup (140 g) finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
    • 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
    • 1 lb (453 g) ground beef 85 or 90% (may substitute bulk Italian sausage, sweet or spicy)
    • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
    • ⅓ cup (78 ml) dry red wine (or substitute chicken, beef, or vegetable broth or stock)
    • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
    • 28 oz (794 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes
    • 2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 dried bay leaf
    • 8-12 oz (226-340 g) pasta for serving – I like spaghetti

    Recommended Equipment

    • Saucepan

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
      2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • Once shimmering, add onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
      1 cup (140 g) finely chopped yellow onion
    • Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
      2 Tablespoons minced garlic
    • Add ground beef and sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and crushed pepper overtop. Cook, crumbling, until meat is browned. Drain excess grease if/as needed.
      1 lb (453 g) ground beef, ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • Add tomato paste and sugar to the pan and cook, stirring near-constantly until tomato paste is browned/caramelized (about 1-2 minutes).
      2 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
    • Drizzle red wine into the pan, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Cook until the wine is reduced by about half and you can no longer smell the alcohol so strongly (about 3-5 minutes).
      ⅓ cup (78 ml) dry red wine
    • Add water and tomatoes, breaking/crushing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or metal spatula as you cook.
      ¼ cup (60 ml) water, 28 oz (794 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes
    • Add basil, parsley, and oregano and bay leaf and stir until combined and bay leaf is submerged. Simmer at least 30 minutes with an offset lid, stirring occasionally.
      2 teaspoons dried basil or 10 torn basil leaves, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 dried bay leaf
    • If serving with pasta, begin cooking pasta according to package instructions while the sauce is simmering. You can serve the meat sauce over the portioned pasta or combine the two together before serving. If mixing together, reserve ¼ cup pasta water then drain remaining water from the pasta. Add pasta to meat sauce along with a splash of pasta reserved pasta water, stir well, and simmer until sauce clings to noodles (just several minutes).
      8-12 oz (226-340 g) pasta
    • Serve, topped with parmesan cheese if desired.

    Notes

    Storing

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This dish also freezes well for several months (best to freeze without pasta).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 646mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 256IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Debbie Latham

      April 30, 2025 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      Tried it last night and loved it!! Everything I’ve tried on this site has been amazing!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 30, 2025 at 1:24 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Debbie! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Renee

      November 20, 2024 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      Excellent, whole family loved it. No leftovers and with three kids, thatโ€™s high praise!

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 20, 2024 at 11:32 am

        I’m so happy to hear this, Renee! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for letting me know how it turned out, I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    3. Nadine

      October 23, 2024 at 8:15 pm

      Good flavour, but far too watery.. falls off the pasta, what did I do wrong, or need to do to fix?

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 25, 2024 at 1:13 pm

        Hi Nadine! It shouldnโ€™t be watery, may have just needed to cook a bit longer? Also you didnโ€™t toss the pasta with oil before adding it to the pot, did you? Make sure you follow step 9 and cook long enough for the water to reduce and the sauce to cling to the noodles

        Reply
        • Barbara Castanier

          November 24, 2024 at 1:00 pm

          thank you for the delicious recipe for spaghetti meat sauce. it came out phenomenal, i sprinkled parmesan on top. i loved the flavor and spices were just right. used fresh basil leaves.

        • Sam

          November 25, 2024 at 11:09 am

          I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Barbara! ๐Ÿ™‚

    4. Willerson Janet Perry

      October 21, 2024 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      The BEST!!! Spaghetti sauce ever!!! Thank you for sharing your talent and skill with me!!
      Janet

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 22, 2024 at 6:32 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Janet! Thank you for trying my recipe and I hope you’ll try some more as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Susana

      October 15, 2024 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much Sam for yet another delicious recipe! Beautiful sauce!
      Youโ€™re my go-to for cakes, cookies and other desserts as well.

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 16, 2024 at 7:13 am

        Thank you so much, Susana! I’m so glad you trust all of my recipes so much! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    6. Toby Pennell

      October 11, 2024 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      This delicious slightly “hot” (from basil) sauce was just right! The only change I made was to substitute apple juice for the wine. Great recipe, nice and meaty but pretty simple. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 14, 2024 at 2:35 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Toby! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    7. darby fegan

      October 04, 2024 at 6:09 pm

      Wonderful recipe! This is the third time in three weeks I am making it. Makes great leftovers!

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 07, 2024 at 10:46 am

        I’m so glad you enjoy it so much, Darby! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Verl Luse

      July 23, 2024 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      Was a.great recipe.

      Reply
    9. Joanne Zalusky

      April 20, 2024 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      I’m making your meat sauce now and it’s just about done. So far it tastes delicious! I added 1.5# of ground sirloin and used chicken stock instead of the red wine because I didn’t have any on hand. My husband does not like the looks of spaghetti (weird I know) so I’m going to use Fusilli instead. I followed everything else on your recipe exactly. I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic. Thanks for all your recipes.

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 21, 2024 at 9:24 pm

        I hope everyone loves it, Joanne! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    10. Ev

      April 03, 2024 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      How would I make this without the beef? The sauce is amazing but my family prefers meatballs ๐Ÿคช

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 04, 2024 at 10:01 am

        You would really just skip adding the beef. I have a great meatball recipe you can try if you need a recipe for meatballs. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    11. Bethany

      March 16, 2024 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      The best spagehtti sauce I’ve ever had! I used crushed tomatoes and let it simmer in a crockpot for a few hours.

      Reply
      • Sam

        March 18, 2024 at 11:46 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Bethany! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    12. Bruce

      February 24, 2024 at 4:31 pm

      5 stars
      If you need to serve 8 people, there is enough sauce to cover a pound of pasta, just not so generously. 12 ounces is definitely the ideal amount.

      Reply
    13. Misty

      November 10, 2023 at 9:20 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious! I was a little extra and put it over homemade spaghetti noodles! Job well done, Sam!

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 11, 2023 at 5:14 pm

        Thank you so much, Misty! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    14. Bruce

      November 09, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this, using fresh parsley, because I refuse to have dried parsley in the house. It is wonderful, of course, and very meaty. I cooked it for an hour, so the whole tomatoes would break down. As always, I trusted Sam on the tablespoon of sugar, and she is right, as usual. If you doubt her on the use of sugar in tomato-based recipes, just remember that all of her recipes are carefully tested and perfected.

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 09, 2023 at 8:42 pm

        Thank you so much, Bruce! I’m so glad you enjoyed another recipe. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
      • Shante H

        May 18, 2024 at 6:30 pm

        Hello! How do you rename this if you freeze it to use for another time. Baby is coming and trying to make meals ahead. ๐Ÿ˜… Thank you!

        Reply
        • Sam

          May 21, 2024 at 11:06 am

          Hi Shante! I would thaw overnight in the refrigerator then re-warm in a saucepan over low heat. I hope that helps, and congratulations on the baby!

    5 from 16 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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