ground beef spaghetti recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
ground beef spaghetti recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best ground beef spaghetti recipe

I’ve been making this ground beef spaghetti recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. I love how the ground beef adds a rich flavor to the spaghetti, and the tomato sauce brings everything together.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and I appreciate how versatile it is – we can serve it for dinner or as a special occasion meal. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra protein and iron into our diets. I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to for a reason – it’s just so delicious and satisfying.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to deliver. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy days when I’m short on time.

Simply brown the ground beef, cook the spaghetti, and combine it all with some store-bought or homemade tomato sauce – voila! A tasty meal that everyone will love is ready in no time. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable – we can add in different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to make it more nutritious.

My kids also love helping me in the kitchen, so we often involve them in the process by letting them pick out their favorite vegetables or herbs to add in. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and where their food comes from. I’ve also found that using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe – don’t be afraid to splurge on some good olive oil or real Parmesan cheese if you can afford it.

Trust me, it’s worth every penny!

Classic Ground Beef Spaghetti

Classic Ground Beef Spaghetti

4.7 from 1905 votes

A hearty and satisfying spaghetti dish made with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. This family-friendly meal comes together quickly for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
9Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
10Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
11Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
12Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
13Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to low.
14Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
15Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
16Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat, using tongs.
17If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
18Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Colander
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a leaner sauce, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Classic Ground Beef Spaghetti Works

This ground beef spaghetti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is so versatile and loved by everyone. It works perfectly for family gatherings because you can easily double the recipe and it feeds a crowd without a lot of fuss.

I always feel confident bringing this dish to a potluck or serving it at a casual dinner party because it is comforting and satisfying. For leftovers, store the sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, warm the sauce in a skillet and toss with freshly boiled pasta for the best texture. You can also serve leftovers cold as a pasta salad by adding some chopped veggies and a light vinaigrette.

This recipe is truly a keeper that you will come back to again and again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Spaghetti

What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

Ground chuck is my go-to choice for this recipe because of its rich flavor and tender texture. You can also use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may not be as flavorful.

Can I use low-sodium tomato sauce instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade tomato sauce is delicious and healthier, store-bought options are perfectly fine too – just look for low-sodium varieties to cut back on excess salt.

How much spaghetti should I use per person?

A good rule of thumb is 1/2 cup of cooked spaghetti per person, but feel free to adjust according to your family’s appetites.

Can I substitute other types of pasta for spaghetti?

While traditional spaghetti works beautifully in this recipe, you can also try using other long, thin pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer.

What if I don’t have any fresh herbs on hand? Can I omit them?

While fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to this dish, you can still make it without them if needed – simply omit them and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts