🍝🍅👨🍳 “Almost Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce With Extra to Freeze” is a hearty and versatile pasta sauce that’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal and some leftovers for future convenience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this recipe:
History:
This type of sauce is a variation of traditional Italian marinara sauce, adapted for convenience and time-saving. It’s designed to give you the rich flavors of homemade sauce with less effort. The concept of preparing extra sauce to freeze for later is all about making meal prep easier and more efficient.
Components:
- Ground Meat: Typically, ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork is used.
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed or diced tomatoes form the base of the sauce.
- Onions: Chopped onions add flavor and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves provide a delicious aroma.
- Herbs and Spices: A blend of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, as well as salt and pepper.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Sugar: A pinch of sugar is often added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Red Wine (optional): Some recipes call for a splash of red wine for added depth.
Steps to Prepare:
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan with the meat. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Tomato Base: Pour in the canned tomatoes and stir well.
- Seasoning: Add the Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. If you’re using red wine, you can add it now.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more herbs, salt, or sugar to your liking.
- Cool and Freeze: Once the sauce has cooled, you can portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and date them for future use.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this sauce typically takes around 15 minutes to brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic. Then, you’ll need to simmer the sauce for at least 20-30 minutes. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes to 1 hour preparing the sauce.
This recipe is fantastic because it not only provides a delicious meal for the present but also offers the convenience of having extra sauce on hand for future pasta dishes. Enjoy your Almost Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce! 🍝🍅👨🍳
Certainly, here is some nutrition information and health considerations for a typical serving of Almost Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: Around 200-250 calories
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-50 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-600 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 15-20 grams
Health Information:
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Protein: This sauce is a good source of protein, mainly from the ground meat. Protein is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
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Fats: While it contains some fats, they are primarily from the meat and olive oil. Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats. However, if you’re concerned about fat intake, you can choose leaner meat or reduce the amount of olive oil used.
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Carbohydrates: The sauce contains some carbohydrates, mainly from the tomatoes and onions. It’s relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
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Fiber: The sauce provides a modest amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
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Sodium: Depending on the amount of salt used and the type of canned tomatoes, the sodium content can vary. If you need to reduce your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium canned tomatoes or reducing the added salt.
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Nutrient Balance: This sauce can be a balanced meal when served with whole-grain pasta and a side of vegetables, providing protein, carbs, and fats.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as excessive consumption can lead to higher calorie and fat intake. One cup of sauce is a typical serving size.
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Customization: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs. For example, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or increase the vegetable content for added nutrition.
Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation method you use. It’s a versatile sauce that can be part of a balanced and nutritious meal when paired with appropriate side dishes.
