Recipe for Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce | Easy Weeknight Dinner
A fast, flavorful spaghetti with meat sauce recipe, perfect for busy nights—ready in about 30 minutes!
Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce
Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of spaghetti tossed in a rich, hearty meat sauce. This quick spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, uses pantry staples, and delivers big, satisfying flavor. Even better, you can customize it with vegetables, swap in turkey, or add a splash of wine for a more grown-up twist.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Fast and Easy: The sauce and pasta are ready in the time it takes to boil water and cook spaghetti.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot (besides boiling the pasta), so cleanup is a breeze.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients—you probably have most of them in your kitchen right now.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves spaghetti, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Healthy Option: Lean beef and whole wheat pasta boost the nutrition profile without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients for Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat or regular spaghetti | 8 oz |
| Ground beef (90% lean) | 1/2 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion, chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Canned diced tomatoes, drained | 14.5 oz can |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Grated Parmesan for serving | Optional |
| Fresh basil or parsley (optional) | For garnish |
How to Make Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions, usually 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Remove a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top.
Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
- Try Italian Herbs: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh basil at the end of cooking.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meatless version.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Highlights
This spaghetti with meat sauce is a balanced meal thanks to the protein-rich beef, fiber from whole wheat pasta, and antioxidants from tomatoes. It’s a satisfying, energy-rich dinner that keeps you full without being overly heavy.
Customization Ideas
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for a boost of greens.
- Wine-Braised Beef: Deglaze the pan with red wine before adding tomatoes for a richer, more complex flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Both the sauce and the cooked pasta (without cheese or fresh herbs) freeze well for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use fresh or canned tomatoes?
To keep this recipe quick, canned tomatoes are ideal—they’re available year-round and provide consistent flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use them, but you’ll need to cook the sauce a bit longer.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are healthier alternatives and work perfectly in this sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
How do I thicken the sauce
Simmer the sauce a bit longer, add more tomato paste, or sprinkle in a little cornstarch mixed with water. Each of these methods helps thicken the sauce if it’s too thin.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan version.
What should I serve with spaghetti and meat sauce?
Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs!
Conclusion
This quick spaghetti with meat sauce recipe proves you don’t need hours—or a pile of dishes—to make a comforting, delicious Italian dinner. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty, healthy meal that feels special enough for any night of the week. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy evenings, and you’ll always have a reliable, satisfying dinner ready in a flash.
Quick Reference Table
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving (approx.) | 350 |
Similar Recipes to Try
- One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese: Cook your pasta right in the sauce for even faster cleanup.
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A simple garlic and oil sauce for a lighter meal.
- Turkey and Spinach Pasta: Use ground turkey and add fresh spinach for a leaner but still hearty dish.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti with a quick meat sauce is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a reliable solution for busy nights. With endless ways to customize it, this recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Give it a try tonight and see why it’s a family favorite around the world.
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