Of course! Spaghetti with a rich, hearty ground beef sauce is a classic for a reason. It’s comforting, satisfying, and easier to make at home than you might think.
Here is a detailed, foolproof recipe that builds layers of flavor for a truly fantastic sauce, along with tips for making it your own.
The Ultimate Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce
This recipe uses a combination of techniques—browning the meat, sautéing aromatics, and simmering with tomatoes—to create a deep, complex flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
· 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
· 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 carrot, finely grated or minced (optional, for sweetness and depth)
· 1 celery stalk, finely minced (optional, for a classic Italian soffritto base)
· 1 (28 oz / 800g) can of crushed tomatoes (high-quality is best)
· 1 (6 oz / 170g) can of tomato paste
· 2 cups (480ml) beef broth or water
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 teaspoon dried basil
· 1 bay leaf (optional)
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (secret ingredient for umami!)
· 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
· 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
· Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions