Creating a homemade spaghetti sauce is a rewarding culinary experience that enhances any pasta dish. This guide will walk you through the process of making a rich, flavorful sauce that serves four. You’ll find a comprehensive list of ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and some helpful tips to elevate your sauce to the next level.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes
Additional Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- To make a hearty homemade spaghetti sauce for four servings, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups water or beef broth (for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing)
- Grocery List
- Before you start cooking, ensure you have these items on your shopping list:
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Garlic
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Brown sugar
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Dried basil
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaf
- Water or beef broth
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your homemade spaghetti sauce:
- Sauté the Vegetables and Meat:
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano, salt, basil, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the water or beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve your delicious homemade spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Sauce
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for better flavor. Brands like Tuttorosso or Muir Glen are recommended.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust seasonings as needed. If it tastes too acidic, add a little more sugar.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the sauce to sit for a few hours or overnight enhances its flavors even further.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms, olives, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 412Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 2478mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 9gSugar: 29gProtein: 18g
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
