Description
This easy spaghetti sauce is rich, hearty, and perfect for quick dinners or cozy family nights. Packed with bold tomato flavor, aromatic herbs, and ground beef, it clings beautifully to pasta and delivers a comforting bite every time. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, classic pasta night, or searching for new dinner ideas, this sauce checks every box for flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh herbs just before serving if using.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven to prevent burning and ensure even simmering.
Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds depth and a slow-cooked flavor.
Letting the sauce simmer is key to melding the flavors—don’t rush it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: easy recipe, spaghetti sauce, quick dinner, pasta sauce, weeknight meals, family dinner, homemade sauce