Go Back
A delicious plate of Spaghetti With Meat Sauce is served as a featured image for the recipe article.

Best Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is a culmination of careful experimentation, focusing on browning the meat properly, slow simmering for depth of flavor, and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. The combination of ground beef and pork, along with a long simmering time, creates a rich and unforgettable sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Colander
  • Large serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
  7. Stir in parsley, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve sauce over spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality ingredients. Simmering the sauce for a longer period intensifies the flavor. Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or other plant-based protein instead of meat.