• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Nutritious Deliciousness
  • Recipe Index
  • Browse By Course
    • Main Courses
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
  • Browse by Diet
    • Keto and Low Carb
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Main Courses
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Salads
  • Keto and Low Carb
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegetarian
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Courses » Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, see Disclosure.

    54 shares
    • Share
    • Flip
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Save Saved!

    This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the real deal, made with rich, robust flavors from ground beef, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs. Simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce and tossed with pasta, it's a cozy meal you’ll make again and again.

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce in white bowl with fork with spaghetti wrapped around and basil leaf on top
    10 Easy Healthy Recipes eBook

    10 EASY HEALTHY RECIPES EBOOK

    DOWNLOAD NOW
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredients for Spaghetti Meat Sauce
    • 🔪 How to Make Italian Spaghetti Sauce
    • 💡 Tips for Making Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
    • ☑️ Storage Instructions
    • 🍴 What to Serve with Homemade Spaghetti
    • 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
    • Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
    • What if My Sauce is Too Thin?
    • How Do I Know When the Pasta is Done Cooking?
    • Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
    • 🍽️ More Delicious Italian Recipes

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

    • Classic Italian meat sauce
    • Rich and robust flavors
    • Easy to make in just over an hour
    • Sauce is great over your favorite pasta or used in baked ziti
    • Uses simple healthy ingredients
    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce with spaghetti wrapped around fork with basil leaf on side

    There’s truly nothing more comforting than a big plate of homemade spaghetti with meat sauce. This recipe nails all those authentic Italian flavors with a sauce that’s simmered with fresh garlic and herbs, and a splash of white wine. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds perfect hearty richness to the sauce.

    Once the sauce has simmered to perfection, you’ll toss the cooked pasta right into the same pot for those last few minutes. This ensures every strand soaks up the flavor. Plate it up and you’ll have a simple and incredibly flavorful dish the whole family will drool over.

    Italian Meat Sauce in pot with wooden spoon holding up some

    If you love hearty pasta dishes that you can have on the table in a hurry, be sure to try my Penne alla Vodka.

    🛒 Ingredients for Spaghetti Meat Sauce

    • Ground beef
    • Ground Italian sausage
    • Tomato puree
    • White wine (or chicken broth)
    • Garlic
    • Fresh basil
    • Fresh parsley
    • Salt
    • Ground black pepper

    *Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

    🥣 Recommended Tools

    • Dutch oven
    • Large pot

    🔪 How to Make Italian Spaghetti Sauce

    Heat a Dutch oven or pot to medium and add in the ground Italian sausage and ground beef. Sauté until browned, then make a well in the center and add in the garlic.

    ground beef and ground Italian sausage in pot uncooked

    Sauté for 15 seconds, making sure not to brown it, then pour in the white wine.  If you don’t want to use white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.  Scrape up any brown bits of flavor.

    browned ground beef and sausage in pot

    Pour in the tomato puree, then add the water to the cans, swooshing around to grab any remaining tomato, then pour into your pot.

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce ingredients in pot unmixed

    Add in the fresh basil, parsley, salt, pepper and (optional) sugar.  Simmer on medium low for 1 hour with an offset lid.

    tongs holding up cooked spaghetti out of pot of water

    10 minutes before your sauce is ready, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Once boiling, add in a healthy pinch of salt and cook your spaghetti until almost cooked through.

    cooked spaghetti over Italian meat sauce in pot unmixed

    Drain, but do not rinse, your spaghetti, then pour it into the sauce and toss to combine.

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce in pot with basil on top

    Continue to simmer the sauce until the spaghetti is cooked to al dente.

    💡 Tips for Making Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    • Simmer slowly: Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly for a full hour (or even longer if you have time) helps the flavors deepen. This slow-cooking process makes the sauce richer and allows the herbs and meat to infuse the tomatoes.
    • Deglaze for added flavor:  After browning the meat, you’ll want to deglaze the pan with a splash of the white wine (or broth) and scrape the pot to lift all those browned bits. These caramelized bits add an extra layer of flavor that makes a big difference in the final dish.
    • Properly cook your pasta: Since the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, drain it when it’s just shy of al dente. This way, it absorbs some of the sauce and doesn’t turn mushy.
    • Adjust thickness:  If the sauce is a bit too thick for your taste, add a few tablespoons of pasta water to reach your preferred consistency. The starchy water will also help the sauce cling better to the pasta than if using other liquids.
    • Taste before serving: As the sauce simmers, taste it occasionally and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to get the balance you like.
    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce in pot with fresh basil on top

    ☑️ Storage Instructions

    To store leftover spaghetti with meat sauce, let it cool to room temperature first. Then transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, divide it into portions, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.

    For reheating, you can microwave it or warm it on the stove. If the sauce thickens after storing, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to bring back the original consistency.

    🍴 What to Serve with Homemade Spaghetti

    This spaghetti is a hearty main course, so adding an appetizer or salad either before or with the spaghetti would be ideal. Here are some great options to consider:

    • Burrata Caprese
    • Easy Bruschetta
    • Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
    • Garlic Rolls
    • Antipasto Salad
    closeup of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce with some wrapped around fork

    🔄 Substitutions and Additions

    • Ground meat: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Italian sausage can also be substituted with turkey sausage for a leaner sauce.
    • Tomato base: Instead of tomato puree, try using crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce, or add tomato paste to enhance depth. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for a richer flavor.
    • White wine: If you'd like to skip the wine, substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.
    • Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, use dried basil and parsley; just remember to use about one-third of the fresh amount, because dried herbs are more concentrated.  
    • Added vegetables: Add chopped sauteed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added texture and nutrients.  
    • Spice: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
    • Creamy sauce: For a slightly creamy twist, stir in a small splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese right before serving. This will give the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture.
    • Parmesan rind: Adding a Parmesan cheese rind to the sauce while it simmers is a classic trick to deepen the flavors. Just remember to remove the rind before serving.
    closeup of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce in pot

    Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?

    Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.

    What if My Sauce is Too Thin?

    If it’s too thin for how you like it, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.

    How Do I Know When the Pasta is Done Cooking?

    You’ll want to cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente, since it will continue cooking a bit in the sauce. To test, take a strand and bite into it. There should be a slight firmness in the center, but not have a raw taste.

    Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

    Spaghetti is classic, but you can substitute it with any long pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair. Shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni will also work well.

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce in white bowl with fresh basil on top

    🍽️ More Delicious Italian Recipes

    • Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers
    • Eggplant Lasagna
    • Sausage and Peppers Hash
    • Pork Marsala
    • Zucchini Parmigiana
    • Panzanella Salad
    • Easy Bruschetta
    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce in white bowl with fork with spaghetti wrapped around and basil leaf on top

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is the real deal, made with rich, robust flavors from ground beef, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs.
    No ratings yet
    Author: Julianne
    Servings 10
    Print Pin
    Save Recipe Saved!
    PREP 5 minutes mins
    COOK 1 hour hr
    TOTAL 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound 85% ground beef
    • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
    • 1 pound spaghetti
    • 2 28 ounce cans tomato puree
    • ½ cup white wine, I use Pinot Grigio
    • ½ cup water
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Optional: pinch of sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a Dutch oven or pot to medium and add in the ground Italian sausage and ground beef.
    • Sauté until browned, then make a well in the center and add in the garlic.
    • Sauté for 15 seconds, making sure not to brown it, then pour in the white wine. If you don’t want to use white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth. Scrape up any brown bits of flavor.
    • Pour in the tomato puree, then add the water to the cans, swooshing around to grab any remaining tomato, then pour into your pot.
    • Add in the fresh basil, parsley, salt, pepper and (optional) sugar. Simmer on medium low for 1 hour with an offset lid.
    • 10 minutes before your sauce is ready, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in a healthy pinch of salt and cook your spaghetti until almost cooked through.
    • Drain, but do not rinse, your spaghetti, then pour it into the sauce and toss to combine. Continue to simmer the sauce until the spaghetti is cooked to al dente and serve.

    *Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Calories 348kcal
    Nutrition Facts
    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    348
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    18
    g
    28
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    6
    g
    38
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    23
    g
    8
    %
    Fiber
     
    4
    g
    17
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    15
    g
    30
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Rate this Recipe

    *Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

    © Copyright for Nutritious Deliciousness. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment or Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Julianne

    I'm Julianne, welcome! Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great flavor.  I offer deliciously nutritious recipes that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied, with the occasional indulgence!

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Footer

    •PRIVACY POLICY

    •AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

    •ABOUT

    •CONTACT

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Copyright © 2025 Nutritious Deliciousness

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required