This Authentic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce takes just a few minutes of prep and then a slow simmer on the stove for a ground beef packed classic Italian spaghetti. This recipe has been updated for even better flavor!
Why I love this recipe
This spaghetti sauce with meat is easy to make and super delicious, so much better than store bought. This recipe for two makes a great lunch, dinner or impressive date night meal.
Serve it with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread or bread sticks.
To read more about the history and how it’s made check out this article about spaghetti.
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![Spaghetti Sauce with Meat over pasta on a plate.](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Authentic-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce-9-1-800x1200.jpg.webp)
Ingredients
(amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)
ground beef
onion
jarred minced garlic
tomato sauce
tomato paste
dried oregano
dried basil
fresh parsley
Parmesan cheese
salt
spaghetti pasta
Substitutions
You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef.
You can also use other pasta shapes instead of spaghetti pasta.
Equipment used for this recipe
How to make Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Step 1 – On a cutting board, dice the onion.
Step 2 – Combine the ground beef and onion in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
![ground beef and onions cooking in a pan.](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Authentic-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce-1-1-1200x675.jpg.webp)
Step 3 – Cook and stir until meat is brown and the onions are tender.
Step 4 – Using a colander, drain the grease and return the beef and onions to the pan.
Step 5 – Stir garlic, tomato sauce and tomato paste into the pan.
Step 6 – Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
![Authentic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce cooking in a pan.](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Authentic-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce-3-1-1200x900.jpg.webp)
Step 7 – Simmer the spaghetti sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8 – At the same time, prepare the spaghetti pasta according to the package directions.
![spaghetti pasta cooking in a pan.](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Authentic-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce-2-1-1200x675.jpg.webp)
Step 9 – Drain the spaghetti pasta, divide it between 2 plates, and top with the homemade meat sauce.
Step 10 – Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
![Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef over pasta on a plate.](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Authentic-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce-5-1-1200x800.jpg.webp)
Recipe FAQs
You can add ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey. You can also add shredded or diced versions of the meat instead.
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![](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screen-Shot-05-11-24-at-11.41-AM-500x160.png.webp)
![Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef over pasta on a plate.](https://zonacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Authentic-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce-5-1-320x320.jpg.webp)
Spaghetti and Homemade Meat Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ onion
- ½ teaspoon jarred minced garlic
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ Tablespoon fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- ⅛ cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces spaghetti pasta (uncooked)
Instructions
- On a cutting board, dice the onion.
- Combine the ground beef and onion in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook and stir until meat is brown and the onions are tender.
- Using a colander, drain the grease and return the beef and onions to the pan.
- Stir garlic, tomato sauce and tomato paste into the pan.
- Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the spaghetti sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- At the same time, prepare the spaghetti pasta according to the package directions.
- Drain the spaghetti pasta, divide it between 2 plates, and top with the homemade meat sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Nutrition
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Hi and welcome. I’m Zona and I have a passion for recipes. I share recipes, tips, tricks, and resources to help you cook for two. Eat, drink, and enjoy!