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A close-up of a plate of spaghetti with tomato-based meat sauce, topped with grated cheese and fresh basil, served in a black bowl—perfect inspiration for your next spaghetti sauce recipe.
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5 from 3 votes

Classic Spaghetti Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Hey there, food lovers! If you're ready to dive into a big ol' pot of comfort and deliciousness, then buckle up because today we’re making a classic spaghetti dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. This isn't just any spaghetti; it's packed with rich flavors, juicy ground beef, savory sausage, and a tomato sauce that’s simmered to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to enjoy a hearty meal, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: bite, comfort, spaghetti
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 large sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 large rib of celery, chopped
  • 2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced
  • 4 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 pound thin spaghetti

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook and stir until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Stir in the thinly sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, hot sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
  • Add the granulated sugar, dried Italian seasoning, and Creole or Cajun seasoning (if using). Toss in the bay leaves. Mix well.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • While the sauce simmers, cook the vermicelli or spaghetti in a large pot of well-salted water according to the package directions. Drain well.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the pot. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
  • Cover the pot and let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 460kcal