Old Spaghetti Factory Meat Sauce Recipe

Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of the Old Spaghetti Factory Meat Sauce right at home! This hearty sauce combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a robust tomato base, making it ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, or your favorite pasta dishes.

Bring the comforting flavors of the Old Spaghetti Factory into your kitchen with this rich and savory meat sauce.

Packed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, garlic, and a robust tomato base, it’s the ideal companion for spaghetti, lasagna, or any of your favorite pasta dishes.

Easy to make and full of hearty flavor, this sauce turns a simple meal into a satisfying, restaurant-style experience at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Rich, Savory Flavor – Perfectly seasoned ground beef and a robust tomato base make every bite delicious.
• Versatile – Ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, stuffed shells, or any pasta dish you love.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
• Family-Friendly – Hearty and comforting, it’s a meal the whole family will enjoy.
• Restaurant-Style at Home – Enjoy the classic taste of the Old Spaghetti Factory without leaving your kitchen.

Old Spaghetti Factory Meat Sauce Ingredients

• Ground beef – flavorful meat for hearty, savory pasta sauce base
• Olive oil – adds richness and helps sauté vegetables evenly
• Onion, diced – sweet, aromatic vegetable for depth of flavor
• Garlic, minced – pungent, savory addition for classic Italian taste
• Tomato sauce – smooth, rich base for the meaty sauce
• Tomato paste – concentrated tomato flavor to thicken and enrich sauce
• Diced tomatoes – chunky, juicy tomatoes for texture and freshness
• Italian seasoning – blend of herbs to enhance classic pasta flavors
• Salt – essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors
• Black pepper – adds mild heat and balances savory notes
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – optional spice for a subtle kick
• Sugar (optional) – balances acidity in the tomato-based sauce
• Fresh basil or parsley – garnish for aroma, color, and fresh flavor

How To Make Old Spaghetti Factory Meat Sauce

Step One: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step Two: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step Three: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, mixing well. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes and sugar. Stir until combined.

Step Four: Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 10 minutes. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step Five: Stir the sauce, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over spaghetti, lasagna noodles, or your favorite pasta.

Old Spaghetti Factory Meat Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use freshly diced onions and garlic – Fresh aromatics give the sauce more depth and flavor than pre-minced options.
• Brown the beef properly – Make sure to break up the meat and brown it well; this adds richness and prevents a greasy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning gradually – Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
• Optional sweetness balances acidity – A pinch of sugar can help mellow the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
• Simmer for extra flavor – Even in the Instant Pot, letting the sauce sit on Sauté mode for a few minutes after pressure cooking enhances the flavors.
• Fresh herbs at the end – Add basil or parsley at the end to preserve color and freshness.
• Pair with pasta types wisely – This sauce works beautifully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or baked dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells.

Storing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain flavor and prevent spoilage.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Old Spaghetti Factory Meat Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I make this meat sauce ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.

Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of beef and pork can be used instead of ground beef. Adjust cooking times if needed.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing? Yes, this meat sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this sauce vegetarian? You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, textured vegetable protein, or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain rich flavor.

What pasta goes best with this meat sauce? Traditional spaghetti works perfectly, but it’s also great with fettuccine, penne, or as a filling for lasagna or stuffed shells.

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• INSTANT POT EGG DROP SOUP

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