Are you tired of bland, boring pasta sauces that leave your taste buds begging for more? Get ready to transform an ordinary jar of marinara into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends thinking you've secretly trained as a professional chef! This doctored-up spaghetti sauce recipe is the ultimate culinary hack that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will elevate your pasta game and make you the dinner hero you were always meant to be!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce, 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Once the onion and garlic are nicely cooked, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until it is browned and no longer pink.
- After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary. This will help keep your sauce from becoming greasy.
- Now, pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef, onions, and garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Spaghetti works well, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside. If the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat.
- To serve, place a portion of the cooked pasta on a plate and ladle the doctored-up spaghetti sauce over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious doctored-up spaghetti sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Start with a good base marinara sauce and fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Drain the Fat: Always drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and blend beautifully.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add extra herbs like fresh basil or red pepper flakes for a personal touch.
- Make Ahead: This sauce freezes wonderfully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future meals.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Pasta Pairing: While spaghetti is classic, try this sauce with rigatoni, penne, or your favorite pasta shape.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
