Old-School Spaghetti with Ground Beef (No Sausage)
Description
This classic homemade spaghetti is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Made with seasoned ground beef and a slow-simmered tomato sauce, it’s a simple yet delicious meal that doesn’t need sausage to taste amazing.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (800g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
For the Pasta:
- 400–500g spaghetti
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
For Garnish (optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart using a spoon and cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Build the Sauce
Add tomato paste and mix well with the meat.
Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and water (or broth). Stir everything together.
4. Season the Sauce
Add:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Basil
- Paprika (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
- Bay leaf
Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer Slowly
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20–30 minutes (or longer if you want deeper flavor).
Stir occasionally. The longer it cooks, the richer it becomes.
6. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes).
Drain and set aside.
7. Combine & Serve
You can:
- Mix the spaghetti directly into the sauce
or - Serve sauce on top of the pasta
Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the sauce simmer longer for better taste
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat
- A splash of milk or butter can make the sauce smoother
- Always salt your pasta water—it makes a big difference
Serving Idea
Serve your spaghetti with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh salad
Final Result
You get a rich, hearty plate of spaghetti with tender ground beef and a flavorful tomato sauce—simple, classic, and super satisfying without needing sausage.