Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Introduction

Craving a comforting, classic Italian dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet hearty enough to feed a crowd? What if you could create a rich, savory tomato sauce with tender spaghetti in just over two hours, mostly hands-off? Say hello to Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce! This straightforward recipe features a robust meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and mushrooms, simmered to perfection and served over al dente spaghetti. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prep, this beginner-friendly dish delivers bold, homestyle flavors with minimal effort. Ready to create some warm, saucy magic? Let’s get that skillet sizzling and start cooking!

Overview

Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is a main dish featuring a hearty tomato-based meat sauce made with ground beef, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and mushrooms, simmered with seasonings and served over cooked spaghetti. What makes it special? The long, slow simmer creates a deep, rich flavor, while the combination of beef, mushrooms, and spices adds a comforting, restaurant-quality taste. This recipe takes about 2 hours 20 minutes (20 minutes prep and cooking, 2 hours simmering) and serves 4, making it ideal for family meals or small gatherings.

• Time Requirement: 2 hours 20 minutes (20 minutes prep and cooking, 2 hours simmering)
• Difficulty Level: Easy (perfect for beginners)
• Servings: 4 servings

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

For the Tomato Sauce

• Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty, protein-rich base for the sauce.
• Chopped Tomatoes (2½ cups): Add fresh, juicy tomato flavor and texture.
• Tomato Paste (1⅓ 6-oz cans, about 8 oz total): Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor.
• Sliced Mushrooms (1 4.5-oz can): Contribute earthy depth and umami.
• Dried Minced Onion (2 tbsp): Adds savory onion flavor without chopping.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Brings classic Italian herbaceousness.
• White Sugar (¾ tsp): Balances tomato acidity with subtle sweetness.
• Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild, peppery kick.
• Garlic Powder (⅛ tsp): Infuses the sauce with subtle garlic flavor.

For the Pasta

• Spaghetti (12 oz): Serves as the classic, twirlable base for the sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavors; for vegetarian, try plant-based ground meat or lentils.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Swap with canned diced tomatoes (drained) or fresh tomatoes (blanched and peeled); adjust simmering time if watery.
• Tomato Paste: Replace with 1 cup tomato sauce, reducing chopped tomatoes to 2 cups to maintain thickness.
• Mushrooms: Use fresh sliced mushrooms (8 oz, sautéed), or omit for a smoother sauce.
• Dried Minced Onion: Substitute with ½ cup finely chopped fresh onion or 1 tsp onion powder.
• Oregano: Swap with dried basil, Italian seasoning, or 1 tbsp fresh oregano.
• Sugar: Use honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener for dietary needs; omit for a tangier sauce.
• Spaghetti: Replace with linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta; try zucchini noodles for low-carb.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or extra mushrooms; ensure tomato paste is vegan.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles; ensure tomato paste and canned mushrooms are gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is straightforward with a simple browning, simmering, and boiling process. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Drain and discard excess grease using a slotted spoon or by tilting the skillet.
   • Tip: Use lean beef (85% or leaner) to minimize grease; break into small crumbles for even texture.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Transfer the browned beef to a large pot over low heat.
   • Stir in 2½ cups chopped tomatoes, 1⅓ 6-oz cans tomato paste (about 8 oz), 1 4.5-oz can sliced mushrooms (drained), 2 tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¾ tsp white sugar, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, and ⅛ tsp garlic powder.
   • Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours to develop flavors.
   • Tip: Stir every 20–30 minutes to prevent sticking; add ¼ cup water if sauce thickens too much, and taste after 1 hour to adjust seasonings.
3. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • About 15 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
   • Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), about 12 minutes.
   • Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking if not serving immediately.
   • Tip: Salt the water generously (1 tbsp per gallon); test pasta a minute before the package time to ensure al dente texture.
4. Assemble and Serve:
   • Divide cooked spaghetti among 4 serving plates or a large platter (about 1 cup per serving).
   • Ladle the hot meat sauce over the spaghetti, using about 1–1½ cups per serving.
   • Serve immediately with optional garnishes like grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes.
   • Pair with garlic bread, a side salad, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
   • Tip: Toss spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil if not saucing immediately to prevent sticking; offer extra sauce on the side for customization.

Assembly

Assembling Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is all about creating a comforting, flavorful dish with Italian-inspired warmth for a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it look and taste incredible:

• Layer Thoughtfully: Plate spaghetti as a twirlable base and ladle sauce generously to coat, ensuring each bite is saucy and meaty.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Use a large, deep pot for the sauce to allow even simmering and easy stirring; a Dutch oven works well.
  • Chop tomatoes finely or pulse in a blender for a smoother sauce; drain canned mushrooms well to avoid excess liquid.
  • Cook pasta just before serving to maintain al dente texture; reserve ½ cup pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Serve on deep plates or wide bowls to hold the sauce and spaghetti; a rustic platter works for family-style serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a pinch of oregano for a vibrant, inviting look.
  • Pair with a Chianti, iced tea, or sparkling water for a complete dining experience, perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or casual gatherings.
  • Twirl spaghetti into nests or pile loosely on plates, topping with a generous scoop of sauce to showcase the rich, red color and meaty texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is perfect for meal prep and stores well with these tips to maintain its quality:

• Make-Ahead:
  • Prepare the meat sauce up to 3 days in advance, cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
  • Cook spaghetti just before serving for the best texture; if needed, cook up to 1 day ahead, toss with olive oil, and refrigerate.
  • Tip: Don’t combine sauce and pasta until serving to prevent soggy noodles; taste and adjust sauce seasonings when reheating.
• Storage:
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Store cooked spaghetti separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Tip: Store sauce and pasta separately to maintain texture; reheat pasta by dunking briefly in boiling water or microwaving with a damp paper towel.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze meat sauce for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
  • Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through, adding water or tomato sauce to adjust consistency.
  • Freezing cooked spaghetti is not recommended, as it becomes mushy when thawed; cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
  • Tip: Label sauce with the date, and freeze in single-meal portions for easy dinners; stir well when reheating to blend flavors.

Recipe Variations

Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is versatile and fun to customize. Here are some creative twists to try:

• Spicy Meat Sauce: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño with the seasonings for a fiery kick.
• Veggie-Packed Sauce: Stir in 1 cup diced zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots with the tomatoes for extra nutrition.
• Creamy Tomato Sauce: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a richer sauce.
• Vegetarian Spaghetti: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or 8 oz sautéed fresh mushrooms; add 1 tbsp soy sauce for umami.
• Low-Carb Spaghetti: Use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or low-carb pasta; reduce sugar or omit for keto-friendly sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti; ensure tomato paste and canned mushrooms are gluten-free.

Safety and Tips

Preparing and cooking this dish requires minimal effort but some care for a safe and successful result:

• Handle Raw Beef Safely: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw ground beef, and ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) when browned.
• Cook Safely: Use a large skillet for browning to avoid overcrowding; simmer sauce on low to prevent splattering and burning.
• Prep Safely: Rinse fresh tomatoes thoroughly if using, and drain canned mushrooms well to avoid a watery sauce.
• Clean Up Spills: Wipe grease or sauce spills immediately with a damp cloth, and wash pots in hot, soapy water to remove tomato residue.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: ~30 g
• Fat: ~15 g
• Carbohydrates: ~70 g
• Sugar: ~15 g
• Fiber: ~6 g Note: Values are approximate and vary based on ingredient brands, portion size, and pasta type. Using leaner beef or less pasta may reduce calories and carbs.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to create Easy Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce that’s as comforting as it is flavorful! This 2-hour 20-minute recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or anytime you crave a classic Italian meal. With its rich, meaty tomato sauce and tender spaghetti, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Feel free to tweak the seasonings, protein, or pasta to make it your own. Heat up the skillet, simmer that sauce, and enjoy every twirlable, saucy bite. Happy cooking, and savor the spaghetti bliss!

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FAQs

1. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes! Sauté 8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms with the beef until softened, about 5 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.

2. Is this sauce very sweet?
The sauce is mildly sweet from ¾ tsp sugar, which balances tomato acidity. Omit sugar or reduce to ½ tsp for a less sweet flavor.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or extra mushrooms; add 1 tbsp soy sauce or miso for umami depth.

4. Why is my sauce too thick?
Over-simmering or too much tomato paste can thicken it. Add ¼–½ cup water or broth during simmering, stirring well.

5. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Try linguine, penne, or fettuccine; adjust cooking time per package instructions. Gluten-free or low-carb options work too.

6. How do I prevent spaghetti from sticking?
Stir pasta during the first 2 minutes of boiling, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil after draining if not saucing immediately.

7. Can I prep this for a dinner party?
Yes! Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat; cook pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store sauce and pasta separately in the fridge for up to 4 days (sauce) or 2 days (pasta); reheat sauce on the stovetop and pasta in boiling water or microwave.