Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. This hearty dish features tender spaghetti noodles topped with a rich and flavorful meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make this delicious Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti noodles.
- Colander: To drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and preparing the meat sauce.
- Mixing Spoon: To stir and mix the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
- Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Serving Utensils: For serving the spaghetti and meat sauce.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 pound 450g spaghetti noodles.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound 450g ground beef.
- Onion: 1 medium onion finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic minced.
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cups 480ml tomato sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for serving.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the meat sauce until well coated. Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Notes
By incorporating these tips and variations, you can take your Spaghetti with Meat Sauce to the next level and create a dish that's both delicious and impressive. Enjoy!
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes helps to develop the flavors.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti until al dente to ensure it has the perfect texture.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes helps to develop the flavors.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti until al dente to ensure it has the perfect texture.