Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Spaghetti Recipe is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With minimal ingredients and a rich, savory tomato sauce, it delivers big flavor with little effort. It’s a go-to dish that’s satisfying, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghettiground beef (or Italian sausage)oniongarliccloveolive oilcanned crushed tomatopasta saucesaltpepperItalian seasoningparmesan cheese (optional)fresh basil (optional)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in crushed tomatoes and pasta sauce.

Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine.

Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.

Swap spaghetti for gluten-free or whole wheat pasta.

Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months for an easy future meal.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, using a good-quality jarred sauce saves time and still tastes great.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Classic spaghetti works best, but any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine is fine.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—just omit the meat or substitute with plant-based ground.

How can I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Toss them with a bit of olive oil after draining, or mix them with the sauce immediately.

Do I need to rinse the pasta?

No, rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce cling to the pasta.

Can I cook the pasta in the sauce?

It’s best to cook pasta separately to control texture and avoid overly thick sauce.

What cheese goes best on spaghetti?

Parmesan is traditional, but pecorino or mozzarella also work well.

How do I make this dish creamy?

Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy tomato sauce.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, both the sauce and the full spaghetti dish freeze well.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep—just reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Spaghetti Recipe is a timeless, versatile dish that makes mealtime simple and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a quick solo dinner, it’s a reliable favorite you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. With endless variations and minimal effort, it’s a meal you can count on every time.