There’s something magical about a pot of homemade spaghetti simmering on the stove. This classic Italian-American comfort food fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that brings the whole family running to the dinner table.
While store-bought sauce is convenient, this from-scratch recipe delivers rich, authentic flavors that will make you never want to go back to the jarred stuff. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and about 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy pasta dinner right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Ready in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights
- Easily customizable to your family’s taste preferences
- Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
- Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- ½ yellow onion
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic, freshly minced
- 3 cups water
- 1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 can tomatoes, diced, (optional)
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta and toss with sauce.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Tips & Variations
- Add ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meat sauce
- Use whole San Marzano tomatoes and crush by hand for best flavor
- Splash in 1/2 cup of red wine while simmering for extra depth
- Make sauce ahead and freeze for up to 3 months
- For vegetable boost, add finely diced carrots and celery with the onions
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic spaghetti with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up every last drop of sauce. A simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette makes the perfect side dish to round out the meal.
Notes
- Sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
- For proper al dente texture, test pasta 2 minutes before package time suggests
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed
FAQs
- Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, any pasta works well with this sauce, just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
- Is this sauce freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Freeze sauce alone (without pasta) for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this in advance? Yes, the sauce actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead.
- How do I prevent the pasta from sticking? Cook in plenty of salted water and stir occasionally during cooking.
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- ½ yellow onion
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic, freshly minced
- 3 cups water
- 1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 can tomatoes, diced, (optional)
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta and toss with sauce.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
- For proper al dente texture, test pasta 2 minutes before package time suggests
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed
