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Easy Homemade Spaghetti

Finished spaghetti in sauce pan
Say hello to Easy Homemade Spaghetti, the dish that transforms basic pantry staples into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 8

Ingredients

Ground Beef (450g / ~1 lb)

  • A bit of fat adds flavor but you can go lean if preferred.

Salt (½ tsp)

  • Essential for enhancing the natural richness of the beef.

Black Pepper (¼ tsp)

  • Adds mild heat and depth to the sauce.

Beef Broth (1 can, ~420ml / ~14.75 oz)

  • Full-salt version recommended for a bold savory backbone.

Tomato Sauce (1 can, ~225g / ~8 oz, with garlic/oregano/basil)

  • Infuses an herby note without extra steps.

Tomato Paste (1 can, ~170g / ~6 oz, Italian herb variety)

  • Concentrated flavor that thickens and intensifies the sauce.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

  • Delivers that beloved garlicky essence to the sauce.

Granulated Sugar (2 tsp)

  • Subtly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)

  • A convenient blend of dried oregano basil, and other herbs.

Thin Spaghetti Noodles (1 box, ~454g / ~16 oz)

  • Coats evenly with sauce ensuring flavorful bites.

Instructions

Brown the Beef

  • Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Crumble in the ground beef; add salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
  • Drain any excess grease.

Build the Sauce

  • To the browned beef, add beef broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
  • Stir in minced garlic, sugar, and Italian seasoning.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Boil the Pasta

  • About 10–15 minutes before the sauce finishes, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
  • Drain (no rinse needed).

Combine & Serve

  • Gently fold the cooked noodles into the simmered sauce until well coated.
  • Plate and serve hot. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you like extra cheesy goodness.

Notes

Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Let it develop a deep golden crust for enhanced flavor in the final sauce.
Gluten-Free Variation: Swap regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative. Also check that your sauce ingredients (especially broth and canned items) are certified GF if needed.
Texture Tip: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, toss in diced tomatoes or fresh veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.