Are you ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? This Italian-style spaghetti sauce is not just a recipe – it's a journey through the heart of traditional Italian cooking that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy. With a perfect blend of rich ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a symphony of tomato flavors, this sauce is guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe that will have family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. If you prefer, you can skip the oil and use a non-stick pan.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the onions and garlic are cooked, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
- After the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
- Add the dried basil and dried oregano to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- As the sauce simmers, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can prepare your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding salt, and cooking the pasta until al dente.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and serve it on plates or in bowls. Spoon the Italian-style spaghetti sauce generously over the top.
- For added flavor, you can garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your homemade Italian-style spaghetti sauce!
Tips
- Fresh is Best: While dried herbs work great, using fresh basil or oregano can elevate the sauce's flavor profile even more.
- Slow Simmer Magic: The key to a rich, deep flavor is patience. Let the sauce simmer low and slow to allow the ingredients to meld together perfectly.
- Fat Management: If you want a leaner sauce, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey, and be sure to drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to personalize your sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat before serving.
- Storage Tip: The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
