đź›’ Ingredients
For the Sauce:
500g (1 lb) ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (800g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 bay leaf
½ cup water or beef broth
For the Pasta:
400g (14 oz) spaghetti
Salt (for boiling water)
Optional Toppings:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (about 4–5 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, water or broth, and all seasonings.
Add bay leaf.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer
Let the sauce cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Toss spaghetti with sauce or serve sauce on top.
Garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
🍲 Methods & Tips
Low and slow simmering improves flavor depth.
Breaking the beef finely gives a classic texture.
Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce for better consistency.
For richer flavor, simmer up to 1 hour.
đź“ś History
Spaghetti with meat sauce is inspired by Italian traditions but adapted heavily in American and global kitchens. While Italy’s classic “ragù” is slower and often includes multiple meats, the simpler ground beef version became popular for its convenience and affordability, especially in the mid-20th century.
🧪 Formation (How it Comes Together)
