If you’ve ever longed for that rich, comforting taste of a classic family dinner, this Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious blend of Italian sausage, lean ground beef, fresh herbs, and perfectly simmered tomatoes that come together to create something absolutely magical. This sauce isn’t just about flavor; it’s about warmth, tradition, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for any pasta night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and depth. From the savory Italian sausage to the sweet undertones of fresh onion and garlic, each component helps create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage: Adds robust seasoning and richness to the meat base.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a wholesome, meaty texture without excess fat.
- 1 large sweet onion (peeled and diced): Brings natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled and minced): Infuses the sauce with unmistakable fragrant flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend: A mix of herbs that delivers classic Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, vibrant green burst and softness to the sauce.
- 12 ounces tomato paste: Creates a concentrated tomato base with a deep, rich taste.
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Offers the perfect texture and tang.
- 15 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes: Adds smoky sweetness and texture variety.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and helps build layers of flavor.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the Italian sausage and lean ground beef, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. As the meat cooks, add the diced sweet onion, stirring frequently until the meat turns a rich brown and the onions soften beautifully. Then, add the minced garlic for just a minute to release its wonderful aroma without burning. Drain excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Season the Base
Turn the heat down to medium and sprinkle in the granulated sugar, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. These simple seasonings are what transform the sauce from everyday to extraordinary, layering herbal notes and balancing sweetness with savory elements. Stir everything together to combine evenly with the meat.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Next, scoop in the tomato paste and mix it thoroughly with your meat and seasoning blend. Tomato paste acts as the backbone of the sauce, thickening it and intensifying that deep tomato flavor we crave in a truly satisfying spaghetti sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with their smoky juice), and chicken broth. Give everything a generous stir until perfectly combined. This addition creates the luscious body of the sauce and brings different layers of sweetness, acidity, and smoke together.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Now for the patient but oh-so-worth-it part: bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover and turn the heat down to low. Let the sauce simmer for at least an hour — ideally up to four hours if you have the time. This slow simmer allows all those flavors to meld and develop into the rich, deeply satisfying sauce that makes this Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe unforgettable. Remember to stir every now and then to keep it from sticking.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
If the sauce looks a bit too thick as it simmers, don’t worry. Just add extra chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred texture. Perfect sauce consistency is all about personal taste and what you like coating your spaghetti noodles just right.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Once your sauce has thickened and any extra seasoning is adjusted, it’s time to serve it piping hot over your favorite pasta. This sauce pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti, but feel free to get creative with other noodles or even polenta if you want to switch things up.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the experience even more, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over your plated sauce. A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds salty, nutty richness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can bring an elegant finishing touch and a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This meat sauce shines best alongside some crusty garlic bread or a fresh, crisp Caesar salad to provide a refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also make fantastic companions, balancing out the hearty meat sauce with light, vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or simply enjoy your Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe in a new way? Try layering the sauce in a lasagna or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers. Another fun twist is serving it over baked polenta or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to cool it before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just label with the date so your future self knows when to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving directly if possible, as slow warming preserves its luxurious texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that still works well in this sauce, though it will create a lighter flavor. Consider adding some extra herbs or a splash of olive oil to boost richness.
Is it necessary to simmer the sauce for several hours?
The longer you simmer, the deeper and more integrated the flavors will become. While one hour is sufficient, cooking it longer (up to four) yields a richer, more developed sauce that tastes like it was made all day.
Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Definitely. This sauce is naturally gluten-free as long as you check any broth or seasoning blends for hidden gluten ingredients. Pair it with gluten-free pasta for a safe and delicious meal.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
Traditional spaghetti is a classic choice, but this hearty sauce also pairs beautifully with thicker noodles like rigatoni, pappardelle, or even stuffed pastas like jumbo shells.
Can I prepare this sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours for that same deep, slow-cooked flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe that takes time, patience, and a little love. With its rich, savory layers and comforting familiarity, it’s a dish that brings people together and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own family favorite. Trust me, once you do, spaghetti night will never be the same again!
Print
Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This homemade spaghetti meat sauce is a rich, flavorful blend of Italian sausage, lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and a mix of tomato products simmered to perfection. Ideal for serving over pasta, this slow-simmered sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and diced
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Tomato Base
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (plus extra for thinning if needed)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onions: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the diced sweet onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in granulated sugar, dried Italian seasoning blend, salt, ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley until well combined with the meat mixture.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste into the pot and stir thoroughly to combine it with the meat and seasonings, giving the sauce a thick base.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced fire roasted tomatoes with their liquid, and the chicken broth. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for a minimum of 1 hour up to 4 hours for optimal flavor and texture. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning on the bottom.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, add additional chicken broth in 1/4 cup increments until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Serve: Serve the hot meat sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, garnishing if desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, allow sauce to simmer closer to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add extra broth if reheating and sauce has thickened too much.
- This sauce freezes well; portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use lean beef to reduce fat content.
- Can be served with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta shape.
