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Quick Hearty 15-Minute Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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A fast and satisfying spaghetti with meat sauce recipe perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients and bold flavors in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) spaghetti; whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef; lean or regular (85% lean recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 small chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasy sauce.
  4. Stir in 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar and stir well.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it looks too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly with meat sauce. Heat together for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld.
  7. Plate the spaghetti, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to noodles. Brown meat properly for depth of flavor. Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go. For vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or tempeh. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Parmesan cheese can be skipped or replaced with nutritional yeast for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick spaghetti, meat sauce, easy dinner, 15-minute meal, weeknight dinner, hearty pasta, ground beef spaghetti

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/quick-hearty-15-minute-spaghetti-with-meat-sauce-recipe-for-easy-dinner/