Homemade Spaghetti Sauce ๐
Overview:
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more! Perfect for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting meal, this sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Don’t let the inclusion of carrots fool you; they lend a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce, making it a delightful addition to your repertoire. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of homemade goodness!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 3763.5
- Fat: 207.2g
- Saturated Fat: 80.5g
- Cholesterol: 925.3mg
- Sodium: 3821mg
- Carbohydrates: 203.6g
- Fiber: 23.1g
- Sugar: 161.3g
- Protein: 272.6g
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by gathering all your ingredients and a large Dutch oven. Ensure your vegetables are washed and chopped, and your ground beef is ready for cooking.
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Cooking: Place the Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, chopped celery, and grated carrot to the pot.
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Seasoning: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture and stir well to combine. Add the tomato paste and water, stirring until the paste is fully incorporated into the sauce.
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Spices: Season the sauce with sage, chili powder, celery seed, rosemary, pepper, and paprika. Stir the spices into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
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Simmer: Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the Dutch oven with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Taste Test: After simmering, give the sauce a final taste test and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other herbs and spices to suit your taste.
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Serve: Once the sauce has reached its desired consistency and flavor, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle generous portions of the homemade spaghetti sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!
Tips:
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables once the sauce is cooked.
- This sauce freezes exceptionally well, so consider making a double batch and freezing portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extra vegetables such as diced onions, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and increase the quantity of mushrooms or other vegetables.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of making homemade spaghetti sauce that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and wholesome ingredients, this sauce is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta, skip the store-bought stuff and treat yourself to the homemade goodness of this irresistible spaghetti sauce. Bon appรฉtit! ๐ด