Slow-Simmered Beef & Tomato Spaghetti
A deeply flavorful pasta dish with slow-cooked beef, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce that clings to every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs lean ground beef, tomato paste, can diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/2 cup diced carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until deep red.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup dry red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in 28 oz can diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and salt to taste, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: While sauce simmers, cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing vigorously with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and reaches a creamy consistency, about 2 minutes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Beef & Tomato Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Beef & Tomato Spaghetti?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef & Tomato Spaghetti?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Beef & Tomato Spaghetti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Beef & Tomato Spaghetti?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
