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Best Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe

A classic, hearty spaghetti meat sauce made with Italian sausage, ground beef, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 extra-large red onion peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 7-8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 2 28-ounce cans tomato sauce
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons sugar optional, if needed to reduce acidity
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat a heavy-bottomed 6-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter.
  • Add the diced extra-large red onion and soften, stirring, for 5–8 minutes; reduce heat to medium-low if the onions begin to brown.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning). Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until well browned.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and simmer the sauce for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally; 30 minutes is sufficient, but you may simmer longer for deeper flavor.
  • Stir in the chopped fresh basil, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, stir in 1–2 tablespoons sugar to balance.
  • Serve the sauce warm over cooked pasta.

Equipment

  • 6-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Can opener
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Salt after simmering because sausage and canned tomatoes add saltiness.
  • Use sugar sparingly to balance tomato acidity only if needed.