Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

CATEGORY: Dinner
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
SERVINGS: 6

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly: A classic spaghetti dinner that's easy to customize.

• Simple ingredients: Ground beef, onions, and your favorite marinara sauce.

• Two serving options: Enjoy traditional spaghetti noodles or roasted spaghetti squash.

• Great for picky eaters: Butter noodles are an easy alternative.

• Complete meal: Pair with a fresh salad and warm rolls.

Ingredients

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 1 jar (24 oz) Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce

• 12–16 oz spaghetti noodles

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Parmesan cheese, optional

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (2–3 lbs)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 35–45 minutes, until tender. Allow to cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion for approximately 8–10 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.

3. Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour Rao's marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and onions. Stir to combine and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes.

4. Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Kitchen Tip: Set aside a portion of plain spaghetti noodles before serving for anyone who prefers butter noodles.

5. Assemble and Serve

Divide the spaghetti noodles or roasted spaghetti squash among plates. Spoon the meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with a fresh salad and warm dinner rolls.

Kitchen Tip: Start roasting the spaghetti squash first so it finishes around the same time as the meat sauce and noodles.

What to Serve with Spaghetti

Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Toss with your favorite balsamic vinaigrette just before serving.

Caesar Salad: Chopped romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, shredded Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons.

Crescent Rolls: Bake refrigerated crescent rolls according to the package instructions until golden brown. Serve warm.

Hawaiian Rolls: Warm Hawaiian sweet rolls in a 350°F oven for approximately 5–7 minutes. Serve with butter if desired.

How to Store and Freeze

Refrigerator: Store leftover spaghetti noodles, meat sauce, and spaghetti squash in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze the cooled meat sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality.

From My Kitchen to Yours

Spaghetti night is an easy family dinner that can be customized for everyone at the table. Whether you prefer traditional spaghetti, roasted spaghetti squash, or simple butter noodles, it's a comforting meal that's easy to bring together.