Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a sauce that's bursting with flavor and warmth? Our Rich Hearty Spaghetti Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy! With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a sauce that’s rich, robust, and perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests. Get ready to savor the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as this sauce simmers to perfection—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- After the beef is browned, stir in the can of crushed tomatoes and the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the sauce. Stir to incorporate the herbs evenly throughout the mixture.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing steam to escape, and let it simmer for about 1 hour to
- 5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- After the sauce has simmered and thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs at this point.
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it over cooked spaghetti or your pasta of choice. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy your rich hearty spaghetti sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process smoother, chop your onions and mince your garlic ahead of time. This will save you valuable minutes when you start cooking!
- Sauté with Care: When sautéing the onions, aim for a translucent look rather than a browned one. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your sauce.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice if you can find them—they're known for their rich taste.
- Simmer Slowly: The longer you let your sauce simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have time, let it simmer for the full
- 5 hours for a deeper flavor profile.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving! Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and feel free to add a pinch of sugar if you find the sauce too acidic.
- Garnish for Flair: When serving, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a restaurant-quality finish.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your sauce over al dente spaghetti for the ultimate experience, and don’t hesitate to add a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 215kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 37mg
