Get ready for a classic Italian-American dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table! Imagine a generous plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, lovingly coated in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, brimming with savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, and ripe tomatoes, all finished with a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. This Classic Homestyle Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce recipe is truly special for its incredible depth of flavor that only comes from patient simmering and the way it evokes pure, nostalgic comfort. Perfect for cozy family dinners when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal, a fantastic way to feed a crowd with a dish everyone loves, or when you simply want a taste of timeless culinary tradition, this spaghetti is sure to become a beloved staple. You won’t believe how simple it is to create such a deeply flavorful sauce from scratch!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins (includes simmering time for the sauce)
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Rich Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 lb Italian Sausage, casings removed
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Carrot, finely grated or chopped
- 1 Celery Stalk, finely chopped
- 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can Tomato Paste
- 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine, such as Chianti or Merlot (optional, or use beef broth)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and Black Pepper
For the Spaghetti & Serving:
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, for serving
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Meats: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed). Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until well browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the pot with the browned meats. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. If using, pour in the dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and granulated sugar. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. For an even richer sauce, simmer for up to 2-3 hours.
- Cook the Spaghetti: About 15-20 minutes before the sauce is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Remove the bay leaves from the meat sauce. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pot with the meat sauce. Toss well to coat the spaghetti thoroughly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti with meat sauce among serving bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this classic comfort food!
Recipe Notes:
- Meat Choices: A combination of ground beef and Italian sausage provides excellent flavor. You can also use all ground beef, or a mix of beef, pork, and veal.
- Vegetable Base (Soffritto): Don’t skip the carrot and celery! They add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce that is essential for a classic taste. Grating the carrot helps it melt into the sauce.
- Low and Slow Simmer: The key to a truly rich and flavorful meat sauce is a long, slow simmer. This allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Red Wine Alternative: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or even water.
- Pasta Water is Gold: Always reserve some of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining your pasta. It helps to emulsify the sauce and make it cling to the spaghetti perfectly.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente (still has a slight bite) because it will continue to cook a little more when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Freezing Meat Sauce: This meat sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the sauce towards the end of the simmering time and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed to suit your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: A simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread are perfect accompaniments to this classic spaghetti dish.
There you have it – an incredibly rich, flavorful, and satisfying Classic Homestyle Spaghetti with Rich Meat Sauce that’s perfect for bringing everyone to the table! This beloved dish will quickly become a favorite for its comforting taste and heartwarming aroma. We hope you enjoy this timeless classic! Happy cooking!
