Homemade Spaghetti Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a hearty plate of Homemade Spaghetti. The rich, slow-simmered meat sauce clings to every strand, delivering a hug of savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, nothing gathers people to the table quite like this classic Italian-American comfort dish. Simple ingredients, a handful of cozy kitchen moments, and a touch of love are all you need to turn an ordinary night into something special with Homemade Spaghetti.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Spaghetti is all about making simple ingredients shine. Each component brings its own flair, balancing aroma, texture, and depth so your sauce tastes like it cooked all day—even if it didn’t!

• Spaghetti Pasta (12 ounces): Go for classic spaghetti for that satisfying, twirlable bite everyone adores.
• Ground Beef (1 pound): Adds hearty, craveable richness; you can swap for ground turkey or Italian sausage if you like.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A dash of olive oil infuses the sauce with silky depth and helps the beef brown perfectly.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Sweet and savory, onions melt into the sauce, rounding out the flavors.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Nothing says Italian comfort like a little (or a lot of!) garlic—it’s fragrant and delicious.
• Crushed Tomatoes (28 ounces): This is the backbone of your sauce—look for good-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce and delivers an extra punch of tangy tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): That perfect herby blend for an authentic taste in every mouthful.
• Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Lends sweet and slightly peppery notes that brighten up the sauce.
• Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthiness—you’ll notice its classic pizza-parlor aroma.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make the flavors pop.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a bit of gentle heat that balances the richness.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): It might surprise you, but sugar softens the acidity of tomatoes perfectly.
• Water or Beef Broth (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce and lets it simmer into savory perfection.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Melts over everything, adding salty, nutty flavor that’s irresistible.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish): A shower of fresh herbs brightens the plate and makes it beautiful.

How to Make Homemade Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the spaghetti. Keep a close eye—al dente is what you want, so taste test for that ideal tender bite before draining. Once done, set the noodles aside while you build your sauce. A little reserved pasta water is a great secret weapon for silky sauce, so don’t be shy to save a splash!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a roomy skillet or saucepan, drizzle in the olive oil and heat over medium. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon so it browns evenly. Cook until you see no pink left, then carefully drain off any excess fat to keep your sauce from getting greasy. This step is the foundation for flavorful Homemade Spaghetti.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in your diced onion and let it cook gently for about three minutes. You want it soft and golden, filling your kitchen with irresistible aroma! Add the minced garlic and let it go just a minute, stirring constantly—garlic burns easily, and you want its fragrance, not bitterness.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Dump in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, and your choice of water or broth. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens into classic, crave-worthy Homemade Spaghetti perfection.

Step 5: Toss and Garnish

You’ve made it! You can either toss the noodles right into the sauce so every strand gets coated, or serve the sauce generously ladled over a mound of spaghetti. Don’t forget to top with lots of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that special Homemade Spaghetti touch.

How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti

Garnishes

Finish your Homemade Spaghetti with a flourish—think a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, ribbons of fragrant basil, or chopped parsley. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds another pop of personality and color.

Side Dishes

Nothing sets the scene for a cozy meal like a crisp green salad tossed with a bright Italian dressing. Warm, crusty garlic bread is basically required for sopping up any extra sauce. If you want something a bit lighter, simple steamed veggies or roasted zucchini are tasty, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve your Homemade Spaghetti family-style in a big platter with the sauce poured right over. Or, twirl into little nests on each plate for a restaurant-worthy look. Feeling bold? Try individual ramekins, topped with cheese and popped under the broiler for a bubbling, melty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Spaghetti (lucky you!), tuck it into an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce actually gets even better as it sits, absorbing those fabulous flavors for up to four days of easy lunches or cozy dinners.

Freezing

Homemade Spaghetti sauce freezes beautifully. Cool the sauce completely, ladle into freezer-safe bags or containers, and stash away for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and you’ll be minutes away from a gorgeous pasta dinner any time the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring those leftovers back to life, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickened up. For a quick meal, microwave individual portions with a little extra Parmesan stirred in. If you stored pasta and sauce separately, combine them in a skillet with a touch of pasta water for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Spaghetti sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, prepping the sauce a day in advance actually deepens the flavors. Keep it chilled in the fridge, then just reheat and serve over fresh noodles for fuss-free entertaining.

What’s a good substitute for ground beef?

Feel free to use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist, or even combine varieties for a blend of flavors. You can also experiment with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly version of Homemade Spaghetti.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on the package instructions for perfect texture. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in!

How can I make Homemade Spaghetti more flavorful?

Try sautéing the onions with a splash of red wine for extra depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper or a spoonful of pesto stirred in before serving can add zing. Taste as you go and tweak the seasoning to match your preferences!

Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?

Absolutely—the measurements double easily and the sauce holds up well, making Homemade Spaghetti a fantastic choice for parties and potlucks. Just use a larger pot and give it a few extra minutes’ simmer to let all those flavors come together.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Homemade Spaghetti is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and impossible to resist. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or the centerpiece of a big family dinner, give this recipe a try and watch every fork come back for seconds. Here’s to great food, laughter, and memories made around the table—your perfect Homemade Spaghetti awaits!

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