Nothing beats a plate of homemade spaghetti with a rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This classic Italian dish is easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you love traditional spaghetti with meat sauce, a vegetarian version, or a low-carb alternative, this recipe covers it all!

Get ready to make the best homemade spaghetti with simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 ¾ cups all-purpose + ¼ cup semolina flour for texture)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)

For the Classic Spaghetti Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (adds depth of flavor)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough

1. On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center.
2. Crack the eggs into the well, add salt and olive oil, and whisk with a fork, slowly incorporating the flour.
3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pasta

1. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin or pasta machine until it’s thin but not transparent.
2. Cut into long spaghetti strands using a knife or pasta cutter.
3. Let the noodles rest on a floured surface while making the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Spaghetti Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Stir in balsamic vinegar and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the fresh pasta for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. If using store-bought dried pasta, cook according to package instructions.
3. Drain and toss the pasta with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
• Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes & Tips

• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine while cooking the sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water or broth.
• Want a deeper flavor? Simmer the sauce for 1-2 hours on low heat.
• Make it creamy by stirring in ¼ cup heavy cream before serving.
• Short on time? Use pre-made pasta and cook in boiling water for 8-10 minutes.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Spaghetti

• Swap out the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce.

2. Spaghetti Bolognese

• Add diced carrots and celery to the sauce for a traditional Bolognese-style spaghetti.
• Use ground pork and beef mixture for an even richer sauce.

3. Spaghetti Marinara

• Skip the meat and make a simple tomato and garlic sauce with extra olive oil.
• Add capers or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

4. Keto & Low-Carb Spaghetti

• Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles.
• Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Use heavy cream or cream cheese in the sauce for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make homemade spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! Fresh pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

2. Can I use store-bought pasta instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Just boil store-bought spaghetti according to the package instructions.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

4. What’s the best meat for spaghetti sauce?

Ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a mix of beef and pork all work great.

5. Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours

Homemade spaghetti is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make and full of rich, delicious flavors. Whether you’re making fresh pasta from scratch or using store-bought noodles, this recipe will be a family favorite in no time