This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Recipe is a simple, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with classic comfort food flavor. Made with ground beef, spaghetti seasoning, tomato paste, and a touch of brown sugar, this quick spaghetti sauce comes together with pantry staples and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Serve it over tender spaghetti noodles for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Recipe
- Quick weeknight dinner
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly meal
- Budget-friendly recipe
- Rich, savory flavor
- Perfect for leftovers
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Spaghetti
The Meat Sauce
1 pound lean ground beef
1 envelope McCormick spaghetti seasoning
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1½ teaspoons brown sugar
1¾ cups water
The seasoning packet and tomato paste create a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal effort.
The Pasta
Spaghetti noodles
Tender spaghetti noodles provide the perfect base for soaking up the homemade meat sauce.
Optional Finishing Touch
1 tablespoon olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil on cooked noodles helps prevent sticking and keeps the pasta silky.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
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Easy Homemade Spaghetti Recipe: Classic Ground Beef Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 envelope McCormick spaghetti seasoning
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 1¾ cups water
- Spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add spaghetti seasoning, tomato paste, brown sugar, and water.
- Stir until well combined.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- Drain noodles and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Serve sauce over noodles.
How to Make Easy Homemade Spaghetti
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
Add the spaghetti seasoning packet, tomato paste, brown sugar, and water. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors can develop.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain well and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to help prevent sticking.
Serve the sauce generously over the noodles and enjoy.
What to Serve with Easy Homemade Spaghetti
This classic pasta dinner pairs beautifully with:
It’s also delicious alongside:
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
For an Italian-inspired dinner party, finish the meal with Mini Tiramisu Jars or Easy Berry Tiramisu.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze the meat sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm sauce on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter option.
Why add brown sugar?
The brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomato paste.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce often tastes even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Recipe is simple, comforting, and packed with classic flavor. It’s an easy dinner that comes together quickly and is always a hit with family and friends.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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