Basic Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

Today I want to show you my basic homemade spaghetti meat sauce recipe, which you can make in like 20 minutes … including the pasta! This recipe uses a can of tomato sauce (any type). I also have an easy Bolognese sauce with a can of tomatoes (or even my roasted tomatoes or canning tomatoes). You can even make life super easy by making double or triple batches of spaghetti and then freezing in portions that you normally eat. You can also double or triple the sauce recipe and freeze it too!

Why I Love This Basic Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

It’s cheap. It’s easy. It feeds an entire family. What’s more to love?

But here’s the reality of my life. I’m terrible about meal planning. It always seems that something or another prevents me from executing my well-made (grocery shopped) plans. Maybe it’s that the mushrooms I bought for the risotto have gone bad because yesterday I needed to drive my daughter somewhere. Or, we were doing stuff and got back to the house too late.

Or whatever.

Enter this super easy spaghetti with meat sauce recipe. Not only is it economical and easy to make, I can literally have all the items that I need, all the times. The ground beef can be defrosted (or just plain cooked in the pot) last minute. The can of tomato sauce has a long shelf life. I even have minced garlic in olive oil sitting in my fridge and chopped onions in a bag in the freezer.

Easy Lunch Idea

If you’re looking for a hassle-free lunch option that’s both delicious and convenient, consider making large batches of this meat sauce along with some spaghetti. Once you’ve cooked everything, you can portion out the spaghetti and sauce into individual containers and pop them into the freezer. This way, you always have a ready-to-go meal that just needs reheating, saving you both time and effort on busy days.

You can use any kind of freezer-ready container, but I particularly like these Snapware containers. (This is not a sponsored post or an ad … I just like them a lot.) They seal really well, keeping everything fresh and preventing any leaks or spills in your freezer. And just to be clear, this isn’t a sponsored mention or an ad—I genuinely find them super handy for meal prep like this.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Stovetop or cooktop
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Can opener
• Measuring spoons

Pairing Suggestions

Make spaghetti and meat sauce into a complete meal with a salad and some bread! How about trying:

• The Perfect BBC Caesar Salad Recipe
• Crunchy and Fresh: Cos Salad Recipe
• The Best Yorkshire Pudding Recipe (Easy)
• 30-Minute Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
• Filipino Cheese Bread Recipe
• Jimmy John’s Bread Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the spaghetti meat sauce? Yes, freezing the sauce is a great way to extend its shelf life. First, allow it to cool completely to avoid condensation and ice crystals. Then store it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months.
2. How long can I store the leftover meat sauce? You can keep your leftover meat sauce in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for about four days. If you’re not going to use it right away, go ahead and freeze it using the instructions, above.
3. What are some good substitutes for ground beef in the sauce? If you’re looking to replace ground beef, ground turkey or chicken are leaner options that work well. For a different flavor, try ground pork or Italian sausage. Each will add its unique taste to the sauce. You can use any meat for this recipe!
4. Is this spaghetti meat sauce gluten-free? The recipe for spaghetti meat sauce typically doesn’t contain gluten, but you should check all your ingredients like tomato sauce and seasonings to make sure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you’re sensitive or allergic. Also, use gluten-free noodles, or maybe even spaghetti squash.
5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? The spaghetti meat sauce recipe is naturally dairy-free as it doesn’t include any cheese, milk, or butter. To keep your meal dairy-free, be sure to choose pasta or other accompaniments that don’t contain dairy (like cheese).
6. What are some serving suggestions for spaghetti meat sauce? Besides traditional spaghetti, this versatile sauce pairs well with other pastas like penne or rigatoni. It’s also great in baked dishes like lasagna or served simply with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
7. Can I make the sauce meatless for a vegetarian option? Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this sauce by omitting the meat. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to bulk it up and add flavor. Or maybe add lentils for a fun alternative.
8. How can I add extra flavor to the sauce? Boost your sauce by adding a dash of red wine for depth, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or extra herbs like basil and oregano for a fresh, herby touch. Or use fresh herbs, especially if you grow them in your garden.
9. What’s the best way to reheat the sauce? To reheat the sauce, simply warm it over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, thin it with a little water or broth. You can also zap in the microwave. Make sure to give a touch of water before you do (this avoids the “rubbery” consistency when microwaving meals).
10. Can the sauce be used as a base for other dishes? This meat sauce is incredibly flexible. Use it as a base for casseroles, a topping for homemade pizzas, or stir it into soups and stews for extra flavor and protein.
11. Are there any tips for making the sauce thicker? If you find your sauce too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, naturally thickening the sauce without needing to add thickeners.
12. How do I ensure the sauce doesn’t burn while simmering? To prevent the sauce from burning, keep the heat low and stir it frequently. A heavy-bottomed pot is also ideal as it distributes the heat more evenly.
13. What are some healthy substitutions I can make in this recipe? To make the sauce healthier, consider using lean ground meat or substituting half the meat with finely chopped vegetables like carrots and celery. These add fiber and nutrients while reducing the fat content. I love adding zucchini when my plants start churning them out.

The Final: Basic Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe