Easy Meaty Spaghetti Sauce 🍝
Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: Makes enough sauce for 1 lb. of noodles
Category: Sauces
Keywords: Meat, European, Weeknight, Less than 4 Hours
Description:
This isn’t just any spaghetti sauce recipe; it’s a legacy passed down through generations, perfected and cherished by my mom. With a few simple steps and quality ingredients, you’ll create a sauce that rivals even the most traditional Italian recipes. My brother once claimed it was better than his Italian mother-in-law’s, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. This recipe has been shared far and wide, loved by many who have tasted its rich flavors. It’s versatile, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the picky eaters in your life! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this easy meaty spaghetti sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 1 pound lean ground beef 🥩
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
- 2-3 teaspoons Italian seasoning 🌿
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Saute Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute until it begins to soften. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. |
| 2. | Brown Beef: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the skillet, then add the lean ground beef to the center. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. |
| 3. | Add Tomatoes: Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, combining everything well. Allow the mixture to heat until it starts to bubble gently. |
| 4. | Season: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, adjusting the amount according to your taste preferences. Stir to incorporate the seasoning evenly throughout the sauce. |
| 5. | Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen. You can simmer it for longer if you have the time, as this will only enhance the taste. |
| 6. | Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle in the sugar and give the sauce a final taste test. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce. |
| 7. | Serve: Once the sauce has simmered to perfection, it’s ready to serve! Spoon it generously over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy a deliciously comforting meal. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 313.6
- Total Fat: 15.2g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 73.7mg
- Sodium: 800.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10.9g
- Protein: 25.4g
Tips and Variations:
- Frozen Onion Shortcut: Save time by using frozen chopped onions instead of chopping fresh ones. They’re convenient and work just as well in this recipe.
- Crockpot Method: To make this sauce in a crockpot, simply follow steps 1 and 2 in a skillet on the stove, then transfer the cooked onions, garlic, and beef to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra vegetables like finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic in step 1 until they’re tender before adding the ground beef.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like your spaghetti sauce with a bit of heat.
- Freezing and Storage: This sauce freezes exceptionally well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later use. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave, then heat gently on the stove until warmed through.
Enjoy the comforting aroma and rich flavors of this easy meaty spaghetti sauce, and savor every spoonful with loved ones around the dinner table. Buon appetito! 🍝🇮🇹
