Quick Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe
Recipe shopping list — copy the items into Valedo.
Serves 6. This is a quick tomato and ground beef sauce, not a long-cooked traditional Bolognese.
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Yellow onion
Diced.
1 medium
Carrot
Finely diced.
1 large
Garlic
Minced.
3 cloves
Ground beef
1 lb
Tomato paste
2 tbsp
Crushed tomatoes
28 oz
Dried oregano
1 tsp
Kosher salt
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp
Black pepper
1/2 tsp
Water
4 qt
Spaghetti
1 lb
Parmesan
Finely grated.
2 oz
How to make it
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and carrot for 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and it reaches 160°F. Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Bring the water and remaining 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just tender, reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, and drain.
- Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, adding the reserved water as needed. Serve with Parmesan.
Who this list is for
This list is for home cooks who want to get a hearty, crowd-pleasing spaghetti with meat sauce on the table fast. If you’re feeding a family of six or need a reliable weeknight dinner that doesn’t require hours of simmering, this is for you. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making it practical for busy schedules.
How to use this list
Start by checking your pantry and fridge for the basics: olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Next, look for the fresh items—yellow onion, carrot, garlic, and ground beef. You’ll also need tomato paste and a can of crushed tomatoes for the sauce. Don’t forget to set aside spaghetti and Parmesan for serving. Follow the order on the list as you prep: chop the vegetables, measure out your spices, and get the water boiling for pasta while the sauce cooks.
Common mistakes
Don’t skip softening the onion and carrot in olive oil before adding the beef—this step builds flavor. Avoid crowding the pan when browning the ground beef, or it will steam instead of sear. Don’t forget to salt your pasta water with the full tablespoon of kosher salt. Resist the urge to add extra water to the sauce; the crushed tomatoes provide enough liquid. Overcooking the pasta or sauce can make the dish mushy or heavy.
What is on this list
You’ll need olive oil, a medium yellow onion, a large carrot, garlic cloves, ground beef, tomato paste, and a large can of crushed tomatoes. Dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper season the sauce. Four quarts of water and a pound of spaghetti are needed for the pasta. Parmesan finishes the dish. Cross off anything you already have at home to avoid overbuying.
Before you go
Double-check your pantry for dry goods like spaghetti, tomato paste, and oregano. Fresh produce and ground beef should be bought close to cooking day for best flavor. Make sure you have enough Parmesan to grate over each serving. If you’re missing any staples, add them to your shopping list now so dinner prep goes smoothly.
FAQ
Who is "Quick Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe" for?
This list is for home cooks who want to get a hearty, crowd-pleasing spaghetti with meat sauce on the table fast. If you’re feeding a family of six or need a reliable weeknight dinner that doesn’t require hours of simmering, this is for you. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making it practical for busy schedules.
How should I use "Quick Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe"?
Start by checking your pantry and fridge for the basics: olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Next, look for the fresh items—yellow onion, carrot, garlic, and ground beef. You’ll also need tomato paste and a can of crushed tomatoes for the sauce. Don’t forget to set aside spaghetti and Parmesan for serving. Follow the order on the list a…
What should I skip or avoid with "Quick Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe"?
Don’t skip softening the onion and carrot in olive oil before adding the beef—this step builds flavor. Avoid crowding the pan when browning the ground beef, or it will steam instead of sear. Don’t forget to salt your pasta water with the full tablespoon of kosher salt. Resist the urge to add extra water to the sauce; the crushed tomatoes provide enough liqu…
What is on the "Quick Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe" list?
You’ll need olive oil, a medium yellow onion, a large carrot, garlic cloves, ground beef, tomato paste, and a large can of crushed tomatoes. Dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper season the sauce. Four quarts of water and a pound of spaghetti are needed for the pasta. Parmesan finishes the dish. Cross off anything you already have at home to avoid ov…
What should I do before I go?
Double-check your pantry for dry goods like spaghetti, tomato paste, and oregano. Fresh produce and ground beef should be bought close to cooking day for best flavor. Make sure you have enough Parmesan to grate over each serving. If you’re missing any staples, add them to your shopping list now so dinner prep goes smoothly.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.