Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce

Name: Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

April 3, 2025

Recipes

Introduction

There’s something timeless and comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked spaghetti. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a solo comfort meal, this classic spaghetti recipe delivers flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from cooking the noodles just right to building a rich, savory sauce with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and easy: Dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
Flavor-packed: Uses simple ingredients that build deep flavor.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Budget-conscious: No fancy ingredients needed.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) spaghetti noodles
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Grated Parmesan, for serving

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

Meat: You can use ground turkey or keep it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Tomatoes: Fire-roasted canned tomatoes add extra depth if you have them.
Spaghetti: Gluten-free or whole wheat noodles also work great here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the noodles until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Make the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
Combine with pasta: Toss drained spaghetti into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce needs loosening.
Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley or basil and plenty of Parmesan.

Tips for Success

Salt your pasta water like the sea — it flavors the noodles from within.
Don’t overcook the noodles; they’ll continue softening in the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered to concentrate flavor and thicken naturally.
Use fresh garlic for best flavor — jarred doesn’t compare here.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve with garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad.
Pair with a light red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon.
Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze sauce and pasta separately for best texture. Use within 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this meatless?
Absolutely! Use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite meat alternative.

How do I avoid watery sauce?
Simmer uncovered to let excess moisture evaporate. A little tomato paste helps too.

What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
Use whole canned tomatoes and crush them by hand, or blend diced tomatoes until smooth.

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Final Thoughts

This spaghetti recipe is more than just noodles and sauce — it’s a cozy, nostalgic dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for a no-fail dinner idea, this one’s sure to become a staple. Try it tonight and taste why classics stick around for a reason.