1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Build the Sauce
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the sugar if you prefer a slightly less acidic sauce.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
3. Let It Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
4. Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
5. Bring Everything Together
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water.
Serve warm with Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
You don’t need sausage to make delicious spaghetti sauce. Ground beef provides plenty of savory flavor, while the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs create that familiar old-school taste.
It’s simple, affordable, filling, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Final Tip
For an even deeper flavor, let the meat sauce simmer gently for an extra 15–20 minutes. The sauce will become thicker and more flavorful.
Sometimes the simplest spaghetti is the best spaghetti. 🍝
