Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian feast! These Spaghetti with Meat Sauce will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Imagine tender pasta perfectly coated in a rich, savory meat sauce that's so delicious, it'll transport you straight to the heart of Italy with just one bite. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this foolproof recipe promises restaurant-quality results that will impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 250g ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and have all other ingredients measured and ready.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can turn bitter.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring even cooking.
- Cook the ground beef until it's completely browned and no pink remains, typically 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the meat sauce, tossing gently to ensure each strand is well-coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh torn basil leaves and optionally, grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within. • For the most flavorful sauce, use fresh garlic and don't rush the sautéing process. Let the onions and garlic develop a deep, sweet flavor. • Choose a high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 ratio) for maximum flavor and juiciness. • Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your spaghetti. • Don't overcook your pasta - aim for al dente, which means it should have a slight firmness when bitten. • Fresh basil is a game-changer - add it just before serving to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor. • If you want to elevate the dish, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
