Let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about that warm, simmering pot of deliciousness that makes your whole house smell like a bomb. What is Grandma’s Sunday dinner? Forget those jarred sauces that taste like, well, bottles. Today, we’re diving headfirst into making the ultimate ultimate.How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?. This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a hug in the bowl’. If you think a quick tomato soup and grilled cheese is the perfect dinner, get ready to add this to your meal plan. What is the payoff for doing a list? I want to impress someone with this recipe every single time. It’s the one I pull out every time I need it.
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What is a Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
Think of it as the heart and soul of Italian-American cuisine. Is it a long-simmered tomato sauce, enriched with ground meat? I’ll get into variations later! ), fragrant herbs, and sometimes a touch of sweetness. Unlike marinara, which is all about the tomatoes, this is a healthier version of marinada.How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?is about building layers of flavor over time. It’s the kind of sauce that gets better the longer it cooks, allowing all those ingredients to meld. Is it possible to combine everything into something magical? My Nonna used to say it was the key to a happy family – maybe she was onto something!
Why you should try this recipe?
What is your new go-to recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. We’re talking deep, rich, savory, and slightly sweet – a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more. Back for seconds (and thirds!) Is it really that easy to make? I know that the word “simmered for hours” sounds intimidating, but trust me, most of the time is spent in the kitchen. If you just let it do its thing on the stove, and the aroma will fill your house with happiness.
What I love most about this How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?What makes it so versatile? Is it good for lasagna? What are the best peppers to serve as a pizza topping? What is the cost-effectiveness? How do you make your own sauce? How can I control what goes into my food? What are some good ways to make a big batch of it that freezes beautifully, so you can keep it on hand for those busy days? What are some comforting meals to eat on a weeknight?
How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?
Quick Overview
I prefer a mixture of beef and pork. I’m going to start by browning some ground meat. For maximum flavor). What are some good ways to sauté onions, garlic, and carrots? Next, we’ll add our tomato base (crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and maybe a little tomato sauce for dipping). Extra depth), along with herbs, spices, and a secret ingredient or two (shhh! I’ll let it all simmer low and slow for at least an hour (but longer is better! ), allowing all those flavors to meld together and create a truly unforgettable experience.homemade spaghetti meat sauce.
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef (I like 80/20 for flavor)
* 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, but highly recommended!)
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 carrots, finely chopped
* 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth if you don’t have beef)
* 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey, for a touch of sweetness)
* 1 bay leaf
Secret Ingredient (don’t tell): a
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a savory umami flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add ground beef and pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and pepper and cook for another minute. What is the best way to cook
Step 3: Add the Tomato Base
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste, beef broth, red wine (if using), brown. What are the ingredients in this recipe? Honey, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer!
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will be. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf & Serve
Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Serve the How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?What are some good ways to serve your favorite pasta (spaghetti is the classic choice, of course). ), topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
What is the best way to serve it?
This How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce? is incredibly versatile, so the serving possibilities are endless!
For a Classic Italian Dinner:Serve it over spaghetti or linguine with a side of garlic bread and green salad.
For a Hearty Lasagna: Use it as the meat sauce layer in your favorite lasagna recipe.
For Stuffed Peppers: Mix it with cooked rice and use it to fill bell peppers, then bake until tender.
For Pizza Night: What’s yourHow do you spread your pizza crust?
What’s your favorite leftover sauce for meatballs?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
What are some insider secrets that will take your life?How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?From good to amazing.
Don’t skimp on vegetables, especially the ones you like most The onion, carrots, and celery are the foundation of the sauce’s flavor. Make sure to chop them finely and sauté them until they’re nice and soft.
Use good quality tomatoes: Since tomatoes are the star of the show, use the best quality you can find. I prefer San Marzano crushed tomatoes, but any good brand will work.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different meats: While ground beef is the most common choice, you can also use ground pork, ground veal, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of cream or milk: Just before serving, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or milk for extra richness and creaminess. This is a trick I learned from my Italian neighbor, and it makes a world of difference!
Let it simmer, simmer, simmer!: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer it will become. I recommend simmering it for at least an hour, but if you have the time, let it go for 2-3 hours.
Taste and adjust the seasonings: As the sauce simmers, taste it occasionally and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to taste.
I’ve even been known to add a bit of balsamic vinegar at the end for a tangy kick – trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This homemade spaghetti meat sauce is perfect for making ahead of time or freezing for later.
Refrigerator Storage: Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Pro tip: When freezing, portion the sauce into smaller containers so you can easily thaw only what you need. I like to use quart-sized freezer bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my all-time favorite homemade spaghetti meat sauce recipe. It’s the perfect combination of flavors, it’s easy to make, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it over spaghetti for a classic Italian dinner, using it as a base for lasagna, or adding it to stuffed peppers, I guarantee this sauce will be a hit! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Italian-inspired dishes, like my creamy tomato soup or my garlic knots. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. If you try any variations, I’d love to hear about those too!
Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and serve with the meat sauce.
