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Savory spaghetti with meat sauce showing the emulsified sauce clinging to the pasta
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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe

This spaghetti with meat sauce delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor—without the long cook time. The secret? A quick technique that builds depth fast, plus a simple finish that makes the sauce cling perfectly to every strand.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Keyword 20-Minute Dinners, Budget Meals, Budget Pasta, Pasta Night, Spaghetti With Meat Sauce, Under 10 Dollars
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 530kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Stockpot: For boiling the pasta.
  • 1 Large Skillet or Saucier: To brown the beef and simmer the sauce.
  • 1 Colander For draining the pasta.
  • 1 Liquid Measuring Cup: To reserve the starch-rich pasta water.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Boil spaghetti in salted water; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
  • Add garlic and dried herbs directly into the oil. Cook for 30 seconds (this is the flavor boost).
  • Add ground beef; cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour in marinara sauce; simmer 5–7 minutes.
  • Toss spaghetti with sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to combine. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

DishStories Team Tip: To stay within this 20-minute window, start boiling your water immediately and chop your onion while the water heats up.
Please note that the method shown here is just a reference, not our original recipe.