This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor—this homemade pasta sauce recipe would make a Nonna proud. A beefy sauce that is slow-simmered for a rich, savory taste. Serve it over pasta or bake it into lasagna.
Holly’s Ground Beef Pasta Sauce
- Flavor: This sauce has a savory flavor with hints of herbs and a fresh tomato taste.
- Skill level: Making pasta sauce is a great beginner recipe, with simple steps but it has so much flavor that it’s perfect for anyone to make!
- Technique: I include a spice mix that I add to the meat, which is similar to the one I use in my homemade Italian sausage. It’s easy and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Budget tip: Add leftover veggies in Step 3 for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
- Prep ahead: Pasta sauce freezes beautifully so double or triple the recipe for future meals.
Ingredient Tips For Pasta Sauce
- Meat: I use ground beef in this recipe and mix in my own seasonings. Half of the meat can be replaced with Italian sausage.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the base of this sauce, I recommend a high-quality brand, I love San Marzano style tomatoes.
- Sugar: A pinch sugar will balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Or, instead of sugar, add half a grated carrot to the sauce.
- Seasonings: Dried Italian seasonings are added to the sauce in addition to the meat seasoning above. If adding fresh herbs, they should be added at the end of cooking so their delicate flavor doesn’t get cooked out.
Variations: Add sauteed mushrooms and onions in Step 3 or some shredded zucchini, chopped spinach, or kale for an extra bump in nutrition.
Not Just for Pasta!
The great thing about this ground beef pasta sauce is that it’s so versatile and having some on hand for last-minute meals is a weeknight timesaver.
Besides topping a pile of spaghetti, use pasta sauce for meatball subs, lasagna, mix it with rice for stuffed peppers, or create a casserole with veggies and cheese.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover homemade pasta sauce can be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen on medium heat on the stovetop.
Did you love this Homemade Pasta Sauce? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
Ground Beef Pasta Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes*, 1 can
- 28 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 large green bell pepper diced, or red bell pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Meat Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoons ground sage
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef with sage, fennel seeds, thyme, pepper, and allspice until well mixed.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef mixture, onion, and garlic, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned, drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the canned tomatoes with the liquid, tomato sauce, green bell pepper, water, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped parsley and basil.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Serve over hot pasta.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course, Pasta, Sauce
Cuisine American, Italian© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Delicious and so quick to make.
Pls give us a meat ball recipe.
Great receipes!
interesting to premix spices with meat..I’ll try that..I like to also add a pinch of cinnamon and a quarter cup of red wine..it adds flavor…
Fabulous tasty and thick pasta sauce! My family really enjoyed it!
I was hesitant with the ground beef spices, I usually just brown the beef with onion and garlic but I trust this website, it never disappoints! Turned out fantastic and will become my go to sauce. Thank you again Holly
How much is in each serving? Thank you.
Hi Meira, a serving is approximately one cup of sauce.
Is there a way to make this low acid? Or do you have another recipe that’s low acid? My husband has severe GERD but absolutely loves spaghetti sauce! Please and thank you.
Hi Cana, I have not tried making a low acid version of this recipe. Since tomatoes are highly acidic you could try making a white sauce. I hope that helps!
Hi Holly! I love all of your recipes. I just have a question about the tomatoes. We will soon have a garden full of ripe romas. How would you change the recipe using fresh tomatoes? Or what other steps would I need to take? Thank you in advance!!
Hi Felicia, you should be fine to swap the canned whole tomatoes for fresh ripe tomatoes. If your tomatoes aren’t juicy you can try adding a little extra water or tomato sauce. I hope that helps.
this chef is awesome and her food is excellent i love cooking her recipes.
Could I make this on the stove top , then transfer to the slow cooker to thicken ? Thanks
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure if it would work Nora.
Have not tried yet. Making today!
Hi Holly,
I like your recipes and the good tips you give :)
For the pasta sauce, is it better to use diced tomatoes or whole tomatoes and break them in the cooking?
Either will work in this recipe.
Can you freeze this sauce?
Yes, it freezes well.
I must be missing something. All I can see writin is how good it is an how to use it. No ingredients or directions. Hungry an Confused in Oklahoma.
Hi Kelly, to view the recipe in full you can scroll to the bottom or use the jump to recipe button at the top of the page.