Homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

This Homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is the definition of delicious! Packed full of aromatic veggies, fresh herbs, and spices. We always have some on hand for cold days or when we just need a nice and homey dish. There is really nothing better! Topped with cheese and fresh parsley, this dish really becomes one of the absolute best.

There is so much that I love about this dish. not only have I grown up eating it, it’s been in my family for generations!

I think the recipe came from my great grandmother, and my mom has been adapting it and improving it for over 30 years.

Holy shiitake..

I can remember all the variations of this recipe and, I have to say, this is the absolute best! It’s spicy, fresh, vibrant, aromatic, and healthy…ish.

I know you’re probably thinking, “how can a meat sauce be fresh and vibrant?”

Well, we use fresh herbs and a homemade chili spice/paste. It really lightens the dish, trust me! I don’t really like meat heavy meals but this is the ultimate spaghetti and meat sauce. There’s a little bit of something for everyone!

how to make spaghetti and meat sauce

First, gather your ingredients! There is a lot of chopping involved so, turn on some music and have fun with it!

In a large pot, combine onions, celery, bell peppers, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until tender and onions have become translucent. About 5-10 minutes.

Once the vegetables are done, set them aside. Get another large pot and cook the ground beef. Dump into a colander to drain the grease. Placethe cooked ground beef back into the large pot.

Add seasonings and mix well. Combine the cooked vegetables from earlier and the ground beef.

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and parmesan rind to the ground beef mixture. Cook for about 2 hours.

Once the meat sauce is done, follow the instructions on the back of the box to cook the pasta of your choosing. Serve immediately!

can you freeze meat sauce?

Absolutely! You can store it in single servings for meal prep, or in a larger freezer safe bag to have more. We do both of these options because sometimes, not everyone wants spaghetti and meat sauce at the same time.

Or, if you have company, having a larger portion makes for a great and quick meal!

is meat sauce gluten free

Actually, yes! This recipe is completely gluten free but always remember to double check your ingredients.

expert tips:

• This recipe can be made with dry spices but I promise you that it tastes so much better with fresh!
• To save time on mincing garlic, try using a food processor.
• Make sure you drain the meat after you brown it!
• Don’t skip adding the parmesan. It really adds to and rounds out the flavor!
• Don’t add any seasonings until after the meat is drained.
• This recipe can easily be saved and frozen into single portions for meal prep, or saved into larger portions for the whole family to enjoy!

When you make this Homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

Homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Traci

Homey and delicious! This Homemade Spaghetti and Meat Sauce develops deep and vibrant flavors that everyone will love.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time 2 hrs 55 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Southern

Servings 10

Calories 475 kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 8 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped green bell pepper
• 1 ½ cups chopped celery
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 3 Tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pounds ground beef
• 3 cups diced tomatoes
• ¾ cup tomato paste
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh herbs, chopped
• 1 parmesan rind
• 1-2 Tablespoons chili paste, optional
• pasta, your choice

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in large pot until shimmering.
• Add onions, bell peppers, celery, mushrooms, and garlic.
• Cook until tender.
• Set aside.
• Brown ground beef and drain thoroughly.
• Combine ground beef, vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, cayenne, black pepper, fresh herbs, parmesan rind, and chili paste (if using) in a large stock pot.
• Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours.
• Cook pasta according to instructions.
• Spoon sauce over pasta and serve immediately!

EQUIPMENT

• Garlic Press
• 12 Quart Stock Pot

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 28gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 976mgPotassium: 1171mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1113IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 5mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

When you make this recipe, remember to tag @abakers_table or hashtag it #BakersTable!