Hearty, flavorful ground chuck simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs—this homemade meat sauce is pure comfort food and perfect for family dinners!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes sauce simmering and pasta cooking)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, High-Protein, Italian-Inspired
📝 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
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2 lbs ground chuck (80/20 or leaner if preferred)
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1 can diced tomatoes
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1 can crushed tomatoes
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2 cans tomato sauce
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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5 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
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1 large onion (or 2 medium), diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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2 tablespoons minced parsley
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1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
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Spaghetti pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta water)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
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Heat olive oil in an extra-large skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced onions and green peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
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Add ground chuck to the skillet. Cook until browned.
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Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Season the Meat
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Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Sauce
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Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
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In a large pot, boil spaghetti according to package instructions (7–8 minutes for al dente).
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Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the boiling water to prevent sticking.
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Drain cooked pasta.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
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Toss cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce or serve the sauce ladled on top. Enjoy!
💡 Notes & Tips
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Lean meat option: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat and W-W points.
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Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
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Storage: Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: sautéing onions and peppers → browning meat → adding tomatoes → simmering sauce → plated spaghetti and meat sauce)
Pro Tip: Letting the sauce simmer longer deepens the flavor!
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Ground chuck: Rich, flavorful base for a hearty sauce.
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Tomatoes & sauce: Layers of tomato texture and flavor.
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Italian herbs & spices: Classic seasoning blend for depth and aroma.
Substitutions:
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner sauce.
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Swap in whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber or lower carbs.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the sauce for extra veggies.
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Stir in a splash of red wine while the meat cooks for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
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Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.
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Pair with garlic bread and a simple green salad.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Keep sauce and pasta separate for best texture. Store both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze sauce in meal-size portions for easy weeknight dinners.
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Reheating: Reheat sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate, sauce only)
Calories: ~270 kcal | Protein: ~20g | Carbs: ~10g | Fat: ~16g
W-W Points (per serving, sauce only, assuming 93% lean ground beef and standard olive oil):
➡️ 7 Points
➡️ 9 Points if using regular ground chuck (80/20).
Add for pasta:
➡️ Standard spaghetti: +5 Points per 1 cup cooked
➡️ Whole wheat pasta: +4 Points per 1 cup cooked
➡️ Zucchini noodles (zoodles): 0 Points
W-W Points will vary based on meat choice, pasta type, and exact portion sizes. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: None (without cheese; may vary if adding cheese or specialty pasta)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes! This will lower both the fat content and W-W points.
Q: Can I add veggies to the sauce?
A: Definitely—bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach all work well.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This hearty spaghetti meat sauce has been a family staple for years, loved for its rich flavor and easy preparation. With plenty of Italian seasoning and the convenience of canned tomatoes, it’s a weeknight hero that’s even better the next day!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Tried this spaghetti sauce? Did you add any veggies or spice it up? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!