I’m excited to share my German Spaghetti Recipe with you! It’s cozy, simple, and full of hearty flavor. Picture twirls of spaghetti wrapped in a rich tomato-beef sauce, finished with a shower of Parmesan and fresh basil. It’s the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table fast.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: German
I still remember the first time I made this German spaghetti for friends — they followed the aroma into the kitchen and couldn’t wait to dig in. This dish is all about comfort: tender pasta, a savory beef-and-tomato sauce, and a simple finish of cheese and herbs. No fancy steps. No tricky tools. Just real food that tastes great.
Think of it like this: we brown beef for deep flavor, simmer tomatoes with gentle herbs, and toss everything with spaghetti so every strand is coated. It’s perfect for weeknights, but special enough for a cozy weekend dinner, too.
Description
This German Spaghetti Recipe keeps things friendly and straightforward while still delivering big, comforting taste:
• Spaghetti cooked al dente (soft with a tiny bite so it doesn’t get mushy)
• Lean ground beef browned for rich, meaty flavor
• Onion and garlic for that can’t-miss, homey aroma
• Canned whole tomatoes for a fresh, bright sauce
• Italian seasoning (a gentle mix of herbs) to round out the flavor
• Parmesan for salty, nutty goodness
• Fresh basil for a bright finish
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring it all together
It’s a one-pan sauce + one-pot pasta routine — simple steps, happy results.
Ingredients
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes (crush them by hand or with a spoon)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti
o Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
o Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (tender but a little firm), following the package time.
o Drain and set aside. (A little firmness helps the pasta hold up once it meets the sauce.) - Sauté the Aromatics
o In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
o Add the chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and see-through.
o Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant. (Garlic cooks fast — don’t let it brown.) - Brown the Ground Beef
o Turn the heat up slightly and add the beef.
o Cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
o Season lightly with salt and pepper. (Browning adds deep flavor, like toasting bread.) - Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
o Pour in the crushed tomatoes.
o Add Italian seasoning, plus a pinch more salt and pepper.
o Stir and let the sauce simmer 10–15 minutes until it thickens a bit. (Simmer means small, gentle bubbles — this blends the flavors.) - Toss with Spaghetti
o Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
o Toss gently to coat every strand. Let it simmer together 5 minutes so the pasta soaks up the sauce. - Serve Hot
o Plate the spaghetti.
o Top with Parmesan and fresh basil.
o Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Enjoy!
Process Details
• Why al dente? Pasta keeps a pleasant bite and doesn’t turn soft in the sauce.
• Browning the beef: Color equals flavor. Those golden bits in the pan make the sauce tastier.
• Simmer, don’t boil: Gentle bubbles help the sauce thicken and sweeten without splashing or burning.
• Finish in the sauce: Tossing pasta in the pan lets it drink up flavor like a sponge.
Tips for Success
• Use good pasta: Quality spaghetti holds its shape and texture.
• Don’t overcook: Stop the pasta as soon as it’s al dente.
• Season as you go: A little salt at each step makes a big difference.
• Fresh finish: Grating Parmesan fresh and adding basil at the end keeps flavors bright.
Serving Ideas
• Simple side: A green salad or steamed veggies.
• Cozy plate: Add warm crusty bread to scoop up extra sauce.
• Veggie boost: Stir in bell peppers or zucchini while the sauce simmers for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Sugar: 8g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
My German Spaghetti Recipe is all about comfort made easy: tender pasta, a hearty beef-tomato sauce, and a fresh, cheesy finish. It’s simple to cook, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again on your next cozy night in.