How do you make spaghetti and meat sauce?

Classic Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe

This recipe is a classic, hearty, and flavorful meat sauce perfect for your spaghetti night.

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1 medium onion, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste

* 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)

* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil

* 1 teaspoon dried oregano

* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Spaghetti:

* 1 pound spaghetti

* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently.

3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.

4. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine (if using), basil, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook the sauce, the deeper the flavor will be.

5. Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

* Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.

* Make It Ahead: This sauce is even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

* Variations: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to your spaghetti.

* Substitutions: If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with 1/2 cup of beef broth.

Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti and meat sauce!