Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce

Cook the spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the noodles until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Make the sauce base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

Combine with pasta: Toss drained spaghetti into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce needs loosening.

Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley or basil and plenty of Parmesan.