EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (2024)

EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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This easy spaghetti recipe with meat sauce is a family favorite for a weeknight dinner. With a few simple ingredients, this hearty classic is always a hit with kids!

While I love making homemade spaghetti sauce, bolognese sauce recipe and million dollar spaghetti when I need a quick 30 minute meal this is my go-to spaghetti recipe!

EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Best Spaghetti Recipe and Meat Sauce
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • How to Make Spaghetti
  • Variations
  • Have Leftovers? Try Making:
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Storing and Freezing
  • More Easy Pasta Dishes
  • Easy Spaghetti Recipe Printable Recipe

Best Spaghetti Recipe and Meat Sauce

When it comes to easy meals, this easy spaghetti recipe with ground beef is at the top of my list. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s absolutely delicious. Other favorites arecrockpot Italian chicken,meatball subs,French bread pizzasandparmesan ranch chicken.

This spaghetti and meat sauce is one of my tried-and-true easy dinner recipes that satisfies any easy pasta recipe cravings. We love to serve it with a chopped salad and breadsticks or garlic bread for an amazing, yet classic spaghetti dinner.

Recipe Ingredients

With almost all of the ingredients already in your pantry, this easy spaghetti recipe comes together in a hurry.

EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (3)
  • Onions and garlic: These aromatics add wonderful flavor! Sauté them in oil first before adding the meat.
  • Meat: I like to use ground beef, but Italian sausage works really well, too.
  • Spices: Italian seasoning, Kosher or table salt, black pepper and oregano add so much flavor and work really well with the marinara sauce.
  • Tomato sauce: This easy spaghetti recipe calls for 1 jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce (I love Prego spaghetti sauce), but you can make your own homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.
  • Diced tomatoes: I like the texture diced tomatoes add to the sauce, making it a bit heartier, but this is totally optional.
  • Spaghetti: This long noodle is ideal for soaking up the sauce, but you can use any shape you like.

How to Make Spaghetti

Dinner can be on the table in 30 minutes with this quick and easy spaghetti recipe.

EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (4)
  1. Brown the meat. Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Next add in meat and seasonings and cook until beef has browned.
  2. Simmer. Stir in marinara sauce and tomatoes and let simmer uncovered.
  3. Cook noodles. While sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package.
  4. Serve and enjoy! Serve meat sauce over cooked pasta and top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.

TIP:For a thinner sauce, add in 1/2 cup of the pasta water before simmering.

Variations

  • Veggies. Add in vegetables when sauteing the onion, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers.
  • Meat. Swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey.
  • Cheese. Try topping it with fresh mozzarella for a real treat.
  • Herbs. Fresh basil or oregano work really well in this recipe.
EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (5)

Have Leftovers? Try Making:

  • Spaghetti boats. My family absolutely LOVES spaghetti boats! Simply top sliced garlic bread with leftover spaghetti and mozzarella, then bake for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
  • Leftover spaghetti casserole. Spaghetti casserole is such a fun and delicious way to use leftover spaghetti! It’s basically an easy combo of baked spaghetti and lasagna. Super family-friendly!
  • Italian sloppy joes. This is such an easy and delicious dinner! Make sloppy joes by topping a hamburger bun or piece of Texas toast with the spaghetti meat sauce. Dig in and enjoy!
EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make meat sauce better?

The longer you simmer your meat sauce the better it will be. Tossing in some fresh sprigs of basil or oregano will also take it to the next level.

What do you add to basic spaghetti?

Adding in some cooked garlic, onions and herbs will add great flavors to your basic spaghetti recipe. A pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash red wine or pomegranate will help deepen the flavors.

What is the easiest way to cook spaghetti?

I find the easiest way to cook pasta is by boiling it in a big pot of salted water (do not skip this step as it helps the pasta from sticking together). Make sure the spaghetti is completely submerged.

What is the secret to good spaghetti?

That depends on who you ask, but some find that adding a spoonful of pasta water to the sauce helps boosts the flavor. It will thin your sauce, however, so only do so if you are working with a thicker sauce.

Storing and Freezing

One of my favorite things about this easy spaghetti recipe with meat sauce is that it makes a perfect freezer meal! Sometimes I’ll double the recipe and freeze half. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight and makes dinner a breeze!

  • To freeze: Let cool completely, then add sauce to a freezer bag. Label with the date, then store in freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To thaw: Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove until warm. Serve over spaghetti noodles and add cheese if desired!
EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (7)

More Easy Pasta Dishes

  • Instant Pot Spaghetti
  • Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese
  • Spaghetti Bolognese
  • Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

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EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (12)

Easy Spaghetti Recipe

5 from 49 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

This easy spaghetti recipe with meat sauce is a family favorite for a weeknight dinner. With a few simple ingredients, this hearty classic is always a hit with kids!

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

  • ½ Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ onion , minced
  • 2-4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 pound ground beef , or Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , or red pepper flakes
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 (14-ounce) can can petite diced tomatoes , drained (optional)
  • 1 (16-ounce) box spaghetti noodles

Option toppings: Fresh basil and Grated parmesan

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in ground beef, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until meat is browned. Drain any excess grease.

    • Stir in spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes. Season to taste.

    • Boil spaghetti according to package instructions while sauce is simmering. Drain, reserving 1 cup to add to the sauce if too thick.

    • Spoon sauce over noodles while hot and top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, if desired, to serve.

    Notes

    Sauce: You can also use ahomemade spaghetti sauce if you prefer.

    Variations: Add in vegetables when sauteing the onion, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers.

    Thinner sauce: Add in 1/2 cup of the pasta water before simmering.

    Freeze: Let cool completely, then add sauce to a freezer bag. Label with the date, then store in freezer for up to 3 months.

    Thaw: Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove until warm. Serve over spaghetti noodles and add cheese if desired!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1075mg | Potassium: 892mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Main Course

    Cuisine: Italian

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Beef, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Italian, Kid-Friendly, Pasta, Stovetop

    EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (13)

    Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

    More about Jamielyn Nye

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    Add a comment

    36 comments

      • Kimberly Renee’ Martinez
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (18)

      Fast easy and very good taste

      • Reply
      • Paula K
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (19)

      One of my favorite go-to recipes. So easy and the sauce is amazing!

      • Reply
      • Abby
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (20)

      My whole family thoroughly enjoyed this spaghetti, even my little kids! I loved how easy it was to make.

      • Reply
      • Tracey
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (21)

      Delicious! Takes regular jarred sauce up a notch. My family and friends loved this! Will definitely add this to our meal rotation.

      • Reply
      • Natasha
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (22)

      This is the best spaghetti recipe that I’ve tried so far. So good, my kids enjoyed it so much!

      • Reply
      • April
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (23)

      Delicious and so easy! We all had a huge helping!

      • Reply
      • Abeer
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (24)

      I had leftovers and did what you suggested and made spaghetti boats. That’s become a new family favorite!

      • Reply
      • Bestcook2099
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (25)

      Cooked it first time as a beginner and it turned out pretty good. I did put 1 lbs meat with 1 jar sauce and 1 pot packet of spaghetti. 5 star for the guide.

      • Reply
        • Jamielyn Nye

        Glad you enjoyed the spaghetti sauce recipe!

        • Reply
      • Tiakay
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (26)

      I used diced fire roasted tomatoes, I got a “suggestion” to add a tad bit of sugar and followed the recipe and it was great!!

      • Reply
        • Jamielyn Nye

        Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing :)

        • Reply
      • Darkling
      • EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (27)

      I made this with a lb of Italian sausage and 1 lb of hamburger meat. I also added a 1/4 tsp of dried basil. It was amazing!

      • Reply
        • I Heart Naptime

        Sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed it :)

        • Reply

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    EASY Spaghetti Recipe in 30 minutes – I Heart Naptime (2024)

    FAQs

    How to make spaghetti noodles fast? ›

    Boiling your pasta in less water in a large, shallow pan, will allow you to get the water boiling in 2-4 minutes, which gets you cooking faster. I use a large, wide pan that is only about 3 inches deep, instead of a large stockpot, and use only as much water as I will need to just cover the pasta.

    How to make simple spaghetti better? ›

    To enhance the flavor of your spaghetti sauce, you can add fresh vegetables, greens, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. You can also add diced onions, fresh garlic, and red/green pepper. A splash of red wine or some dairy, such as cheese, also works great. Lastly, don't forget salt.

    What to put in spaghetti sauce to make it taste better? ›

    Mix in Some Meat

    Browning and adding some sausage, turkey, chicken or ground beef will increase your sauce's flavor, incorporate extra texture, infuse a heartier taste and up the protein content. Italian sausage is one of the best meats to add to your canned pasta sauce to achieve that classic Italian taste.

    How many minutes to cook spaghetti? ›

    Generally, most spaghetti cooks in 8 to 10 minutes but it's best to follow the packet directions. How do you cook spaghetti so it doesn't stick together? When adding the spaghetti to the saucepan, wrap hands around the middle of the spaghetti.

    How to make noodles in 1 minute? ›

    Preparation
    1. In a medium bowl, mix together the black vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
    2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain. ...
    3. Garnish with the garlic, scallions, chili oil, and sesame seeds.
    4. Enjoy!
    5. Meal planning made easy with the Tasty app.
    Jul 31, 2019

    What is the quickest pasta to cook? ›

    Angel hair, or cappellini, is the fastest dried long pasta to cook, oftentimes al dente in just three minutes. Spaghetti typically takes 8-10 minutes. Linguine is thicker and may take 10 or more minutes to cook. Fettuccine can also take 10 or more minutes.

    What is the secret to good spaghetti? ›

    For the best spaghetti, cook it in salted water.

    Pasta water should taste salty. I add a lot of salt to our pasta water (it makes the pasta taste delicious). I add about one tablespoon of salt for every four quarts (16 cups) of water, which is perfect for cooking one pound of pasta.

    What brings out spaghetti flavor? ›

    Red pepper flakes, dehydrated or fresh garlic, dried oregano, parsley, or basil, or an Italian seasoning blend are all good options. Dried herbs and spices should be added at the beginning of the cook time so that they have time to bloom.

    Do Italians put sugar in spaghetti sauce? ›

    It is widely held that Italian immigrants began adding sugar to their sauce to make up for the overly acidic tomatoes they were forced to work with in their new home. But the history of sugar in pasta sauce actually goes back to Italy itself.

    What does adding vinegar to spaghetti sauce do? ›

    A Boost of Flavor

    When it's done cooking, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Why? This balances out the sauce while adding a rich depth of flavor.

    What to add to jar spaghetti sauce? ›

    How to Make Jarred Tomato Sauce Better… And If You Even Should
    1. Start With a Good Jar.
    2. Add Alliums.
    3. Deglaze With Wine.
    4. Season Smartly.
    5. Whisk in Tomato Paste.
    6. Boost the Acidity.
    7. Toss in Olives or Capers.
    8. Add Vegetables.

    Do you cook spaghetti on low or high heat? ›

    Fill a large saucepan with water, put the lid on and bring to the boil over a high heat. Add a good pinch of sea salt. Once the water is boiling, stir in the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

    How much spaghetti for 2 people? ›

    Measuring Pasta

    When you cook pasta, 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta per person is a good rule of thumb to follow.

    Is spaghetti sauce better the longer it cooks? ›

    A short cooking time protects the simple bright taste of barely cooked canned tomatoes. Keep the liquid for sauces where quantity, more tomato flavor or longer cooking is desired. Slightly longer cooking usually deepens and enriches the flavors of canned tomatoes.

    How to make 2 minute noodles? ›

    Cook in 1½ cups (375mL) of boiling water in an 850 watt microwave oven on HIGH for 2 minutes. Stir in contents of flavour sachet and enjoy! Serve with or without broth as desired. MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles also make a great base for a quick and delicious meal.

    How is quick cook spaghetti made? ›

    When I came across an-all natural pasta that cooks in minutes, I was intrigued. Quick-cook pasta is typically precooked and dried, whereas normal pasta is simply dried before boiling. But that doesn't mean that all types of pasta are created equal, though - many factors affect how long each type will take to cook.

    What helps pasta cook faster? ›

    Using a lid to trap heat in the pot will speed up this process. Water at an adequate boil will cook pasta faster, without suffering a significant temperature drop when the noodles are added, and this will keep your pasta from getting mushy.

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