Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a beloved classic in the realm of comfort food, bringing together the wholesome goodness of al dente pasta with a savory, aromatic tomato-based sauce. This dish offers a taste of Italy in every bite, making it universally appealing.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
1/4 cup red wine (optional for depth of flavor)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
1 pound spaghetti
4 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon zest (optional for a citrusy twist)
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well with the beef mixture.
Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, sugar, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
