Spaghetti Sauce
Try this Spaghetti Sauce recipe.
Try this Spaghetti Sauce recipe.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 bay leaves
- one 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 5 pounds ground beef (i used ground round)
- 2 large yellow onions diced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
- one 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley or 3 tablespoons parsl plus more for serving
- 1 whole rind from 1 wedge parmesan optional
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan optional, plus more for serving
- 2 pounds spaghetti cooked al dente and tossed with olive oi for serving
- garlic-cheese bread for serving
- 1 jar good store-bought marinara sauce (you can use anot
- 8 fresh basil leaves chopped
- Carbohydrate 43.6666499986928 g
- Cholesterol 44 mg
- Fat 25.4384700041341 g
- Fiber 7.46800009545276 g
- Protein 25.0558299997768 g
- Saturated Fat 10.3408600005456 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (3599g)
- Sodium 10178.4237141539 mg
- Sugar 36.1986499032401 g
- Trans Fat 1.4137750000833 g
- Calories 487 calories
Step-by-step
- Watch how to make this recipe.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned. Remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl. Set aside.
- Discard any grease in the pot, but do not clean the pot.
- Drizzle in the olive oil. When it is heated, throw in the diced onions. Stir it around for 1 1/2 minutes, and then add the garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and marinara sauce. Stir to combine, and then add the sugar, salt, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper (if using) and bay leaves. Stir, then add the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
- Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or some low-sodium broth if it needs more liquid.
- After an hour, add the minced parsley, basil and the Parmesan rind if using (or grated Parmesan if you prefer--or both!). Stir to combine, and then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes or so.
- Discard the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve a big bowl of oiled noodles and the spaghetti sauce so guests can serve themselves. Top each serving with minced parsley and grated Parmesan (or Parmesan shavings) and serve with a big piece of garlic-cheese bread.
My Favorite Weeknight Spaghetti Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present laundry pile. The last thing I want to grapple with is a complicated, time-consuming recipe. That's why this spaghetti sauce has become my absolute go-to. It's simple, flavorful, and can easily be doubled (or even tripled!) for freezing, providing a quick and satisfying meal for those hectic evenings when takeout seems like the only option.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn't require any fancy ingredients or techniques, just a few pantry staples and a little bit of time. I often adapt it based on what's on hand. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, other times I omit them entirely depending on the palates of my family. The key is to let the flavors meld together slowly, allowing the rich tomato taste to deepen and mature. The long simmering time is what truly elevates this sauce beyond the ordinary, resulting in a depth of flavor you won't find in jarred sauces.
I've tried countless spaghetti sauce recipes over the years, from complicated family heirlooms to quick and easy weeknight wonders. This one, however, stands out for its versatility and ease of preparation. It's easily adaptable to dietary needs – swap the ground beef for lentils for a vegetarian option, or add different vegetables to customize it. The possibilities are truly endless. Whether you're serving it to a family of picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, this spaghetti sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The satisfying aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table, anticipating a comforting and delicious meal. Beyond the taste, it's the feeling of creating something nourishing and delicious for those you love that truly makes it special.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, a little time, and a whole lot of love. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone together, fostering conversation and creating cherished memories around the dinner table. It’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, easily customizable to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. It's a recipe that truly nourishes, not just the body, but the soul.
Ingredients I use often:
- Ground Beef: I prefer ground round, but any lean ground beef works well.
- Onions and Garlic: These form the aromatic base of the sauce, providing a rich flavor foundation.
- Canned Tomatoes: I use crushed tomatoes for their texture, but diced tomatoes also work well.
- Tomato Paste: This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought marinara sauce enhances the flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes add warmth and complexity.
- Fresh Basil and Parsley: These herbs add brightness and freshness to the finished sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: A must-have for that authentic Italian flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Brown the beef thoroughly: This step adds depth of flavor and ensures the sauce is not greasy.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least an hour to develop its full flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Seasonings can be adjusted to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Make it ahead: This sauce is even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld further.
- Freeze for later: Double or triple the recipe and freeze portions for future meals.
This spaghetti sauce recipe isn't just about the delicious meal; it's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, sharing a simple yet satisfying dinner with your loved ones, and savoring the moments that truly matter. And let me tell you, the aroma of this sauce simmering on the stove is an invitation to comfort, relaxation, and family connection that’s hard to resist. It's a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen and a cherished tradition in your family.
