Homemade Spaghetti Recipe
There are few dishes as universally loved and soul-satisfying as Homemade Spaghetti. Imagine tender noodles smothered in a rich, tomato-laden meat sauce, topped with a snowy sprinkle of Parmesan and ribbons of fresh basil. This dish isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s a nostalgic classic that turns the simplest pantry staples into a meal everyone remembers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting cozy friends, Homemade Spaghetti brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of Italian magic to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of straightforward ingredients create such a bold, mouthwatering sauce. Each component brings its own character—richness from the meat, sweet tang from the tomatoes, savory aromatics, and just a whisper of heat or sweetness if you desire. Here’s what you’ll need to make Homemade Spaghetti shine:
- Olive oil: This is your flavor foundation, offering a subtle richness that carries all the other tastes.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for a hearty, savory backbone and a boost of protein.
- Yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth as it softens, infusing the sauce with gentle flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves add an aromatic punch and classic Italian savoriness.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The heart of your sauce—these give it body and classic tang.
- Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Smooths out the texture and adds a velvety richness to each bite.
- Tomato paste: This concentrates the flavors, thickening your sauce and boosting its depth.
- Italian seasoning: A dried herb blend that delivers all the traditional notes in one spoonful.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness, waking up the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in for a little gentle warmth if you love a kick.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch helps tame the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
- Dry spaghetti noodles (12 ounces): The vessel for all that saucy goodness; classic and satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (optional): For a bright, herby finish and salty, nutty richness.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step draws out the onion’s sweetness, setting up a savory base that makes the whole house smell inviting.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage straight into your pan. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, aiming for bite-sized crumbles. When the meat is browned and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat if necessary. The browned bits at the bottom will infuse your sauce with even more flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce
Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute—trust me, this is when your kitchen starts to smell truly heavenly. Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Give everything a good stir, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so all the flavors get cozy together.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Make sure to taste one—it should have just a little bite! Drain the noodles and, if you like, toss them with a splash of olive oil so they don’t stick.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking—maybe a pinch more salt or a bit more pepper. Spoon that steaming sauce over the hot noodles, then finish with a flurry of grated Parmesan and fresh basil if you have them. Your Homemade Spaghetti is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti
Garnishes
For maximum flavor, always finish Homemade Spaghetti with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn basil leaves. A drizzle of good olive oil or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add an extra pop. These touches make your bowl as beautiful as it is fragrant.
Side Dishes
Pair your spaghetti with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar for freshness. Warm, garlicky bread is the perfect side to scoop up extra sauce, and roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For family style, mound noodles on a big platter and spoon sauce over the top, then sprinkle generously with cheese. For a dinner party, serve in shallow bowls with twirled nests of spaghetti and tiny basil leaves as a garnish. If you’re feeling playful, let everyone customize their own plate with toppings like olives, roasted peppers, or a dollop of ricotta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Homemade Spaghetti, allow everything to cool before storing. Place the noodles and sauce in airtight containers, either together or separately, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Having the two stored separately will keep the texture of the pasta firmer when you reheat.
Freezing
Homemade Spaghetti sauce is a lifesaver from the freezer! Transfer cooled sauce (not the noodles) into airtight zip-top bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving over freshly cooked spaghetti.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you froze the sauce, let it thaw first. For the pasta, you can quickly dunk it in boiling water for a minute or microwave it with a splash of water to revive it. Combine and serve—the flavors get even better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef and Italian sausage are traditional, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even do a meatless version with diced mushrooms for a lovely texture and earthy flavor. The sauce is very flexible to your personal taste or dietary needs.
How do I make the sauce richer or more complex?
Adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers will deepen the flavor and give it that restaurant-quality taste. You can also stir in a bit of butter at the end for a silky finish or toss in a Parmesan rind as the sauce simmers for extra umami.
What’s the best way to keep spaghetti noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks and drain it promptly once it’s al dente. If not serving immediately, toss the noodles with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Always serve the sauce hot to help the noodles stay loose and delicious.
Can I make Homemade Spaghetti ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce actually improves as it sits and can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep sauce and noodles separate until you’re ready to serve to preserve their texture, and assemble just before eating for the freshest results.
Is there a gluten-free option for Homemade Spaghetti?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. The sauce naturally contains no gluten, so everyone can join in on this delicious tradition.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Spaghetti is the kind of meal that never loses its magic, whether you’re new to home cooking or an old pro. The flavors are cozy and familiar but never boring, and the recipe leaves room for creativity every time you make it. Gather your loved ones, set the table, and let Homemade Spaghetti become the highlight of your next dinner together!
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Homemade Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Spaghetti with this easy-to-follow recipe. A flavorful meaty sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For Serving:
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onion, add meat, garlic, tomatoes, sauce, paste, seasonings, and sugar. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil noodles in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Final Steps: Adjust sauce seasoning, serve over spaghetti, and top with Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- You can freeze the sauce for future use.
- Enhance flavor with fresh herbs or a splash of red wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
