Imagine a sauce so rich, so perfectly balanced, that it transforms an ordinary pasta night into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. This classic Italian-style spaghetti sauce with meat is not just a recipe – it's a flavor-packed journey that brings the warmth of traditional home cooking right to your dinner table. Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that combines tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a perfectly simmered tomato base that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.
- Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the meat until it's completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the browned meat and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can turn bitter.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat and onions.
- Sprinkle dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to distribute the herbs and seasonings.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked spaghetti, garnishing with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Meat Browning Mastery: Ensure your ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop deep, rich flavors. Use a high-quality, lean ground beef for the best results.
- Herb Freshness Matters: While dried herbs work great, consider adding fresh basil at the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
- Simmering Secrets: Low and slow is the key to developing complex flavors. Don't rush the simmering process – this is where the magic happens!
- Seasoning Technique: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. Everyone's palate is different, so trust your taste buds.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This sauce actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Cheese Pairing: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese can elevate the sauce to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
