Name: Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar

Rich, robust, and irresistibly comforting, this Easy Spaghetti Sauce is your new weeknight hero. Whether you’re preparing dinner in a hurry or simmering something special for a cozy weekend meal, this sauce delivers classic Italian flavor with minimal effort. It balances juicy ground beef, tangy tomato richness, and warm aromatics in a way that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta.

What sets this sauce apart is its perfect harmony of simplicity and satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you how a few pantry staples can create magic. Serve it over spaghetti for a timeless favorite, or use it as a versatile base for lasagna, stuffed shells, or even pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Spaghetti Sauce

Quick & Hearty: Ready in under an hour, yet rich enough to taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, and easy to adjust spice levels to suit any palate.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for future meals.
Customizable: Great base to add veggies, mushrooms, or swap in ground turkey.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making this Easy Spaghetti Sauce doesn’t require fancy gear, but a few kitchen essentials make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Vital for browning the meat evenly and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken without burning.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break down the ground meat while stirring in the sauce without scratching your pan.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: To chop fresh garlic or onions if using.
Measuring Spoons & Cups: For seasoning accurately and keeping your ratios just right.
Storage Containers (Optional): If meal prepping or freezing extra sauce.

With the right tools and just a little prep, you’ll have a luscious, hearty sauce bubbling away in no time.

Ingredients for the Easy Spaghetti Sauce

Ground Beef: The base of your sauce—rich, savory, and full of flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps the meat brown evenly and adds subtle richness.
Garlic: Adds depth and classic Italian aroma.
Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the main body of the sauce—smooth, thick, and tangy.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

How To Make the Easy Spaghetti Sauce

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine with the beef.

Step 4: Season Generously

Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir again to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in flavor.

Serving and Storing Your Spaghetti Sauce

This sauce is at its best when served hot over a fresh pot of al dente spaghetti. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a full meal. Leftovers? Even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. The flavor-packed tomato base works just as well.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but they’ll need to be blanched, peeled, and cooked down. Canned crushed tomatoes offer convenience and consistency.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce itself contains no gluten. Just pair it with gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I double the batch?

Absolutely. This sauce scales well and stores beautifully.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. Adjust to taste.

Want More Pasta Sauce Ideas?

If you loved this Easy Spaghetti Sauce, here are more savory creations you’ll enjoy:

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it classic? Try it with ground turkey? I love hearing the tweaks and twists you make.

For more pasta sauces and dinner ideas, follow me over on Pinterest – Kitchen By Kate

Easy Spaghetti Sauce

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Easy Spaghetti Sauce is a quick and hearty homemade pasta sauce made with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners, freezer meals, or meal prep, it delivers rich Italian flavor in under an hour. Try it over pasta, in lasagna, or as a pizza base.