Spaghetti meat sauce

There’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of spaghetti topped with rich and flavorful meat sauce. This classic Italian dish is a favorite among families and food lovers alike, and for good reason – it’s comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make homemade spaghetti meat sauce from scratch using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this homemade meat sauce is sure to impress. Let’s get started!

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

 

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot, if necessary.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, along with the dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
7. If desired, add the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and the red wine for added depth of flavor.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
10. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
11. Serve the homemade spaghetti meat sauce hot over cooked spaghetti noodles, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

 

Tips for Success:

• For the best flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage in the sauce. The sausage adds extra richness and depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth before serving.
• Leftover meat sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

 

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef or sausage and add diced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Meatball Variation: Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs and add them to the sauce to simmer until cooked through for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish.

 

Homemade spaghetti meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and flavorful sauce made from scratch, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed for a cozy family dinner or served at a special gathering with friends, homemade spaghetti meat sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to please. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious plate of spaghetti topped with homemade meat sauce that’s made with love!