Imagine a sauce so rich, so flavorful, that it transforms an ordinary pasta night into a culinary masterpiece. This homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Meat is not just a recipe – it's a journey through authentic Italian flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this sauce promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the onion and garlic are nicely sautéed, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary. This will help prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Now, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After the sauce has simmered for the desired time, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti sauce with meat, perfect for a cozy dinner!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the best flavor and texture.
- Sauté Slowly: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic to build a deep, rich flavor base.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove extra fat from the browned beef to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Low and Slow Simmering: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop complex flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Make Ahead Tip: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Freeze Friendly: This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep. Pro Chef Secret: For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of red wine during the simmering process or sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for added depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
