What are some easy and tasty recipes for spaghetti with meat sauce?

Spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s a dish that’s versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by almost everyone. Whether you're cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or just want a quick and satisfying meal, spaghetti with meat sauce can be tailored to suit your taste. In this blog, we'll explore a few easy and tasty recipes that will elevate your spaghetti game. From the traditional Italian-style to some creative variations, there's something here for everyone.

1. Classic Italian Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Let’s start with the classic. This recipe is the foundation for all great spaghetti and meat sauce dishes. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat.

Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.

Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

This classic recipe is all about letting simple ingredients shine. The rich, savory meat sauce pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti, making it a timeless favorite.

2. Spaghetti Bolognese

For a richer and more complex meat sauce, you can’t go wrong with Spaghetti Bolognese. This Italian classic is a bit more involved than the basic recipe, but the depth of flavor is well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup red wine

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound spaghetti

Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and pork over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped carrot, celery, and onion. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Simmer the Sauce: Return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Finish with Milk: Stir in the milk and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. This step adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce.

Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and Serve: Toss the spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce until well combined. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Spaghetti Bolognese is hearty, rich, and absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

3. Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, spaghetti with turkey meat sauce is a fantastic option. Turkey is leaner than beef, but it still provides a robust and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Turkey: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, thyme, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the turkey meat sauce until well coated. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

This turkey meat sauce is a lighter yet still flavorful alternative to the traditional beef version. It’s perfect for those who are watching their calorie intake but don’t want to compromise on taste.

4. Spaghetti with Spicy Sausage Meat Sauce

For those who like a bit of heat, this recipe combines spicy Italian sausage with classic meat sauce ingredients for a dish that’s full of flavor and kick.

Ingredients:

1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1/2 cup red wine

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the spicy sausage sauce until well coated. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

This spicy sausage version is perfect for those who want a little extra zing in their spaghetti. The heat from the sausage and red pepper flakes is balanced by the richness of the tomato sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser.

5. Vegetarian Spaghetti with Lentil "Meat" Sauce

For a vegetarian twist on the classic, lentils make a hearty and protein-packed substitute for meat. This recipe is perfect for those who want all the flavor of traditional meat sauce without the meat.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) and fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked lentils and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the lentil "meat" sauce until well coated. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) and fresh basil on top.

This vegetarian option is just as satisfying as its meaty counterparts. The lentils provide a hearty texture that mimics ground meat, making this a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with meat sauce is a versatile and beloved dish that can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you prefer a classic beef sauce, a rich Bolognese, a lighter turkey version, a spicy sausage kick, or a vegetarian alternative, there’s a recipe here that will satisfy your cravings. The next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal, give one of these recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you!