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Savory Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite photo

Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Family Favorite

A classic, hearty spaghetti meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce
  • 14.5 ounces canned stewed tomatoes
  • 14.5 ounces water
  • 4 cubes chicken or beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Accent seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch salt (optional)
  • 1 pinch sugar (optional)
  • 1 1/2 pounds spaghetti noodles, to serve

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
  2. Add the diced onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot and sauté with the beef until the vegetables are softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes (with their juices), water, and the bouillon cubes until the cubes dissolve.
  4. Add dried basil, dried oregano, chili powder, parsley flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and Accent seasoning (if using). Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and add a pinch of salt and/or a pinch of sugar if desired to balance acidity.
  7. Meanwhile, bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and stir until the water returns to a boil.
  8. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil and cook the spaghetti 8–9 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness, then drain in a colander.
  9. Serve the drained spaghetti with the meat sauce spooned over or alongside the noodles.

Notes

  • Taste the sauce before adding salt because the bouillon is salty.
  • If the tomatoes taste acidic, add a small pinch of sugar or a tiny bit of baking soda.