Basic Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Recipe Category: Sauces
Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, Savory, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 304.7
- Fat: 20.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.6g
- Cholesterol: 61.6mg
- Sodium: 923.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.3g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugars: 9.9g
- Protein: 17.5g
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
-
Heat Butter and Olive Oil: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
-
Saute Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and garlic. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if desired.
-
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried parsley flakes, dried basil, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together and allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve: Once the sauce has simmered to your desired thickness and flavor, it’s ready to serve. Spoon generously over cooked pasta of your choice, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
Tips and Adjustments:
- Garlic Lovers: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more cloves of garlic.
- Herb Variations: Customize the herb blend to your taste. You can add fresh herbs if available, adjusting quantities to maintain balance.
- Vegetable Additions: For added nutrition, consider incorporating finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots along with the onions and garlic.
This Basic Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe is perfect for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish, adaptable to suit your preferences. Adjust the seasonings and ingredients to create a sauce that’s just right for you and your family. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal any day of the week! 🍝