Quick and easy Spaghetti Sauce for One with lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Perfect single-serving pasta sauce with Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Homemade spaghetti sauce ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for solo dinners, quick weeknight meals, or portion-controlled cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 ounces lean ground beef
- 8 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Place a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Heat for about 30 seconds.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed.
- Serve: Pour over your favorite pasta or use as a versatile sauce for other dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This single-serving spaghetti sauce is easy, quick, and flavorful. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a simple way to enjoy homemade pasta without cooking a large batch.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic and onions for a richer flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Simmer longer for a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat-Free: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a fresh finish.
- Spice It Up: Include red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Tomato Options: Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a chunkier texture.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time slightly for larger batches.
Is this sauce good for dishes other than spaghetti?
Yes, it works well for lasagna, stuffed peppers, or as a pizza base.
Serving
Serve hot over your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Suggestions
Pair this sauce with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for solo dinners, quick lunches, or portion-controlled meals.
Spaghetti Sauce for One Recipe
1
servings10
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 tablespoon 1 olive oil
½ cup chopped onions
1 clove 1 garlic, minced
4 ounces 4 lean ground beef
8 ounces 8 canned crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Directions
- Heat the Oil: Place a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Heat for about 30 seconds.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed.
- Serve: Pour over your favorite pasta or use as a versatile sauce for other dishes.
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