Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce (Italian-Style Comfort)
Rich, slow-simmered, and full of authentic flavor — simple ingredients done right.
Yields: 4–6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45–60 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small carrot, finely grated (secret for sweetness)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, if tomatoes are acidic)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil (or a handful fresh at the end)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Start the sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and carrot. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Brown the beef
Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up well.
Season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Build the flavor
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar (if using).
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
4️⃣ Cook the pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
5️⃣ Finish the sauce
Stir Parmesan into the sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
Toss spaghetti directly into the sauce for best flavor coating.
6️⃣ Serve
Top with more Parmesan and fresh basil.
Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce
