The Best Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
divided, plus more for the pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
optional
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
28-ounce
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
for serving
Directions
- 1
Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, breaking the beef up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
- 2
Carefully pour in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer uncovered until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
- 3
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound dried spaghetti and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the spaghetti.
- 4
Return the pasta to the pot. Add the sauce, reserved pasta cooking water, and 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, and toss to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, tossing continuously, until the sauce coats the pasta and everything is evenly combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve in bowls topped with lots of grated Parmesan cheese.
The Best Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting classic that hits all the right notes? This recipe for The Best Spaghetti with Meat Sauce delivers that rich, savory flavor you love, perfect for any weeknight meal.
What sets this meat sauce apart is the thoughtful combination of classic aromatics like onion and garlic with the bright acidity of crushed tomatoes and a secret touch of balsamic vinegar. The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, creating a deeply satisfying and balanced sauce that clings beautifully to spaghetti.
You'll discover a hearty, robust meat sauce brimming with the savory goodness of lean ground beef, mellowed by sweet onions and pungent garlic. The crushed tomatoes provide a luscious, vibrant base, while dried oregano and black pepper infuse classic Italian-American flavors. A secret touch of balsamic vinegar brightens the overall profile, ensuring the sauce avoids any dullness. This sauce achieves a perfect balance of richness and bright tang, designed to coat every strand of spaghetti for a truly satisfying bite. Finishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flourish that rounds out the entire dish, making each forkful a delight.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely if you prefer. You could also experiment with other dried herbs if oregano isn't your favorite, though it's a classic pairing here. For a different texture, consider swapping the spaghetti for another pasta shape like penne or rigatoni to pick up even more of that delicious sauce.
This beloved dish is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve generous portions topped with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible touch.