Rich, Flavorful, and Made from Scratch
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your pasta game, this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is the perfect recipe. Packed with hearty ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of Italian herbs, it’s everything you love about classic comfort food. Not only is this sauce bursting with flavor, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with any type of pasta, from spaghetti to penne, or even use it in your favorite lasagna recipe.
Say goodbye to store-bought jars and hello to the rich taste of a slow-simmered, homemade sauce that will have your family asking for seconds.
-Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables:
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Herbs & Seasonings:
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Tomato Base:
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (12 oz) can tomato sauce
Finishing Touches:
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
-Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Base Ingredients:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Toss in the chopped green bell pepper and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Incorporate the Herbs and Tomato Paste:
Add the bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
Mix in the tomato paste, letting it cook for about 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
4. Add the Tomato Base:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Season and Simmer:
Add the salt, pepper, and sugar, stirring everything together.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the sauce cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables, ground beef, and Italian herbs creates a deep, savory taste.
2. Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the seasonings, or make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
-Tips for the Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
1. Low and Slow: Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and high-quality tomatoes make all the difference in flavor.
3. Balance the Acidity: A tablespoon of sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes, but you can also use grated carrots for a natural sweetness.
4. Freeze Leftovers: Store the sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
-Variations to Try
Spicy Marinara: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Sauce: Skip the ground beef and add zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for a hearty veggie version.
Bolognese: Add 1/2 cup of milk or cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, bolognese-style sauce.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh basil and thyme for an aromatic twist.
-Serving Suggestions
Pair this sauce with:
Spaghetti: A classic pairing that never goes out of style.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Zoodles: Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Lasagna: Layer this sauce in your favorite lasagna recipe for a rich, flavorful dish.
-FAQs
1. Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work just as well.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 6–8 medium-sized tomatoes, peel and dice them, and let them cook down for a fresher taste.
-Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Servings: 6
-The Story Behind This Recipe
This homemade spaghetti sauce draws inspiration from classic Italian family recipes, where fresh, simple ingredients come together to create unforgettable flavors. Passed down and adapted over generations, this sauce is a reminder of how food can bring people together. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
-Conclusion
Once you try this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, you’ll never look at store-bought jars the same way again. With its rich flavor, hearty texture, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to serve a dish that will make your family say, “Delizioso!”
