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Easy Budget-Friendly Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Recipe for Quick Dinners

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A quick, hearty, and budget-friendly spaghetti and meat sauce recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out all your spices and sauces before heating the pan.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil if desired.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the browned meat. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
  6. Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
  7. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar if needed.
  9. Plate the cooked spaghetti and spoon generous amounts of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if desired and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

If pressed for time, you can skip simmering and serve immediately after mixing in the tomato paste and seasonings. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. Leftover sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, meat sauce, budget-friendly, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-budget-friendly-spaghetti-and-meat-sauce-recipe-for-quick-dinners/