Ground Beef Spaghetti Recipe
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Ground Beef Spaghetti is a simple pasta dinner that brings together tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef and a rich tomato sauce. It uses basic ingredients and comes together without much work, making it a useful meal for busy weeknights. The beef adds a hearty flavor, while the sauce coats every strand of pasta. I like this recipe when I want a filling dinner without spending hours at the stove. You can also add vegetables, cheese or extra herbs to match your taste. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete family meal that feels warm, familiar and satisfying.
What is Ground Beef Spaghetti
Ground Beef Spaghetti is a classic pasta dish made with cooked spaghetti and a tomato-based meat sauce. The sauce starts with ground beef, onion and garlic, then cooks with crushed tomatoes and seasonings.
The result is a hearty spaghetti dinner with a savory, slightly sweet tomato flavor. It is easy to adjust with different herbs, vegetables and cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Build the sauce: Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meat sauce for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally so the sauce cooks evenly.
6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick.
7. Finish and serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Essential Note
Do not overcook the spaghetti because it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture. Browning the ground beef well also adds more flavor, so let it cook until no pink remains and some small browned bits form in the pan. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the spaghetti instead of sitting at the bottom of the plate. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper or red pepper flakes as needed.
Recipe Notes
Use lean ground beef, fresh garlic and good-quality crushed tomatoes for a flavorful sauce. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make an easy next-day lunch.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Break the ground beef into small pieces while it cooks so the meat spreads evenly through the sauce. Do not rush the browning step, as browned beef gives the sauce a deeper taste.
- Salt the pasta water before adding the spaghetti. This seasons the pasta from the inside and improves the final dish.
- Save some pasta water before draining. A small amount can loosen thick sauce and help it coat the noodles.
- For a richer sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes. You can also add diced bell pepper, mushrooms or spinach for more vegetables.
- Toss the spaghetti with the sauce before serving instead of simply spooning sauce over plain noodles. This gives every bite a better balance of pasta, beef and tomato sauce.
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Anupam
Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.
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