Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite. This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Get ready to savor each bite and enjoy the smiles around the dinner table!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
There’s something magical about a classic spaghetti and meat sauce that brings everyone together. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for the kids, and it can be prepared in under an hour. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal for your family, this Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite is the answer.
Shopping List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 24 ounces tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces canned stewed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces water
- 4 chicken or beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Accent seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
- 1 pinch sugar (optional)
- 1 1/2 pounds spaghetti noodles to serve
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
- Measuring spoons for accurate measurements
- Colander for draining spaghetti
Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite Cooking Guide
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Step 3: Stir in the Tomatoes
Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, canned stewed tomatoes, and water. Use a spoon to break up the stewed tomatoes into smaller pieces, blending them seamlessly into the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Now it’s time to add all those wonderful spices! Toss in the chicken or beef bouillon cubes, dried basil, dried oregano, chili powder, parsley flakes, garlic powder, pepper, and Accent seasoning if you’re using it. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Let it Simmer
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside once al dente.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
After the sauce has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like, add a pinch of salt or sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Toss the spaghetti noodles with the meat sauce or serve the sauce over the noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Dig in and enjoy this Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite with your loved ones!
Substitutions by Diet
- Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Swap out tomato sauce for marinara or a homemade tomato sauce.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used for those avoiding gluten.
Chef’s Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- This sauce freezes well, so make a double batch for easy meals later!
- If you love heat, add red pepper flakes when you add the spices.
Shelf Life & Storage
This Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Common Questions
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
What can I serve with spaghetti meat sauce?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables are excellent side dishes that pair beautifully with spaghetti meat sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! If you have fresh tomatoes, you can substitute them. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped, along with some tomato paste to thicken the sauce.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when you sauté the onions and bell peppers for an extra kick!
Make It Tonight
Now that you have the ultimate guide to Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! With its robust flavors and comforting texture, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this recipe is a keeper. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share the love with your family and friends!
Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat, if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, canned stewed tomatoes, and water. Use a spoon to break up the stewed tomatoes into smaller pieces, blending them seamlessly into the sauce.
- Now it’s time to add all those wonderful spices! Toss in the chicken or beef bouillon cubes, dried basil, dried oregano, chili powder, parsley flakes, garlic powder, pepper, and Accent seasoning if you're using it. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside once al dente.
- After the sauce has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like, add a pinch of salt or sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.
- Toss the spaghetti noodles with the meat sauce or serve the sauce over the noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Dig in and enjoy this Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite with your loved ones!
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- This sauce freezes well, so make a double batch for easy meals later!
- If you love heat, add red pepper flakes when you add the spices.
