Simple & Easy Spaghetti Recipe
Spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce is one of those comforting dishes that brings back childhood memories.
I remember watching my grandmother simmer her sauce for hours, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
This recipe simplifies that process while keeping all the rich flavors intact.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this spaghetti recipe will become your go-to for a quick and satisfying meal.
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boiling spaghetti | Amazon, Walmart |
| Skillet | Cooking the sauce | Target, Local stores |
| Knife | Chopping vegetables & meat | Kitchenware shops |
| Cutting Board | Safe vegetable & meat prep | Home goods stores |
| Measuring Spoons | Accurate ingredient use | Online retailers |
| Wooden Spoon | Stirring the sauce | Supermarkets |
| Colander | Draining pasta | Any kitchen store |
Prep Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 400g Tomatoes, chopped
- 40g Onion, finely diced
- 40g Bell pepper, diced
- 20g Unsalted butter
- 10g Garlic, minced
- 150g Beef, ground
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 50g Ketchup
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- 10g Parsley, chopped
- 200g Spaghetti
Instructions
- Boil the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and parsley.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and onions, sautéing until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned.
- Build the Sauce: Add bell peppers, tomatoes, salt, sugar, ketchup, oregano, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Food Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Pro Tips
- For a Richer Sauce: Use canned crushed tomatoes instead of fresh ones.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine while cooking the sauce.
- Cheesy Touch: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought tomato sauce? Yes, but homemade sauce gives a fresher taste.
- How do I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- What pasta works best with this sauce? Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it.
- What’s the best meat alternative? Try tofu, mushrooms, or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
Cooking should be fun and stress-free.
This simple spaghetti recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!