Here’s a simple spaghetti with ground beef recipe—no sausage needed, just flavorful and hearty:
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1–2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or a mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. - Cook Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat (or skip oil if your beef is fatty). Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed. - Add Onion & Garlic:
Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add Tomatoes & Seasoning:
Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. - Combine with Spaghetti:
Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated. Heat together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce. - Serve:
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
✅ Tip: You can also add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
If you want, I can also give you a super quick 15-minute version that’s great for busy nights. Do you want me to do that?
