Homemade Spaghetti Sauce With Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade spaghetti sauce offers a comforting and rich taste that store-bought sauces can’t match. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, including ground beef, vegetables, and a perfect balance of herbs that create a savory depth of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and allows you to control the seasoning and ingredients, making it healthier and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 16-ounce can tomato sauce
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and crumbly, and the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess grease.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta and enjoy.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 4 to 6 servings

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 1 hour

• Total time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering.

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Add chopped mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies and texture.

• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste during tomato season.

• Stir in a splash of red wine during simmering to deepen the flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long can I store homemade spaghetti sauce in the fridge?

You can store it safely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce?

Yes, this sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Use airtight containers or freezer bags.

Can I make this sauce without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can skip the meat or substitute it with plant-based alternatives or other proteins like ground turkey.

What pasta goes best with this sauce?

Classic spaghetti is traditional, but it also pairs well with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

Simmer it uncovered for a longer time, or stir in a small amount of tomato paste to thicken.

Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more.

How can I make this sauce more flavorful?

Adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar can enhance the flavor balance.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to pair it with gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

Can I add vegetables to this sauce?

Definitely! Vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or celery make great additions.

Conclusion

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a comforting and delicious recipe that elevates any pasta dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. Try the variations to make it your own, and enjoy the fresh, satisfying taste of homemade cooking.