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Looking for a dinner that brings the whole family to the table? My kitchen comes alive with this spaghetti recipe that fills our home with the most amazing aroma. The sauce simmers into this gorgeous rich blend while the meat browns to perfection. I love how I can get this on the table in about 35 minutes which saves me on those crazy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Spaghetti
This recipe has saved me countless times when life gets busy. The beauty is in its simplicity you probably have everything you need right now in your pantry. I switch between beef and turkey depending on what I grabbed at the store. Sometimes I toss together a quick salad and warm up some garlic bread and dinner is complete. My family never gets tired of this one.
What You Need
- Spaghetti: Classic pasta works best, but penne or rigatoni will do.
- Ground Meat: Beef, turkey, or chicken—pick your favorite.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing everything.
- Onion: Chopped yellow onions add sweet flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best results.
- Tomato Paste: Makes the sauce thick and flavorful.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The rich base of the sauce.
- Spices: Oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Liquid: Water, broth, or wine for depth of flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Brightens the sauce at the end.
- Parmesan Cheese: For topping before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1 - Start the Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add your ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks, and brown it for about 8 minutes.
- Step 2 - Add Flavor:
- Mix in chopped onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3 - Make the Sauce:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and your liquid of choice—water, broth, or red wine. Scrape up the brown bits for extra flavor.
- Step 4 - Simmer the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and let the sauce bubble gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5 - Cook the Pasta:
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 6 - Mix It Together:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7 - Serve:
- Stir in fresh basil, plate the spaghetti, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Perfecting the Sauce
Let me share my favorite sauce secret with you. Take your time browning that meat until you see those gorgeous golden bits at the bottom of the pan. Those little pieces pack so much flavor. The sweet onions and garlic create magic together and that dollop of tomato paste gives the sauce its rich body. A splash of wine is optional but worth it if you have some open.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
My Italian nonna taught me the pasta water should taste like seawater. Watch your pasta closely and taste it a minute before the package says it's done. You want that perfect bite. Skip rinsing the pasta after draining. Those starches are your friend they help the sauce coat each strand of spaghetti perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Nothing beats warm garlic bread for soaking up the last bits of sauce on your plate. I usually throw together a quick Caesar salad or toss some greens with my favorite balsamic vinaigrette. Sometimes I sprinkle extra Parmesan on top because there's no such thing as too much cheese in my book.
Ingredient Variations
My kitchen is all about working with what you have. Ground turkey makes this lighter while mushrooms add an amazing meatiness. My kids love when I toss in some spinach or colorful peppers. Got a spice lover at home? A pinch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil kicks things up nicely.
Storage and Reheating
This sauce actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep for about 4 days. When reheating add a splash of water to bring back that silky texture. I often make extra sauce to freeze it's such a lifesaver on busy nights. Just thaw and dinner is halfway done.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different meat?
Yes, ground turkey, pork, or Italian sausage work great. Just adjust cooking time as needed since some meats are leaner than others.
- → Why add water or wine?
Liquid helps scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom, adding flavor. Wine adds depth while water works fine too.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep sauce and pasta separate if possible. Store in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat sauce then toss with fresh pasta.
- → Why salt the pasta water?
Salty water seasons the pasta from the inside as it cooks. Make it taste like seawater for best results.
- → Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, cool the meat sauce completely then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
Conclusion
A simple yet delicious weeknight pasta recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying meal. Ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs combine to create a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti.