Thick n’ Hearty Spaghetti Sauce Recipe 🍝
Description: This Thick n’ Hearty Spaghetti Sauce is based on a cherished family recipe, infused with my personal touch—a rendition even my mother prefers! Slow-cooked to perfection, it boasts an extra thick consistency, making it the ideal comfort food for chilly winter evenings.
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: Makes a generous portion
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Stewed tomatoes | 2 cans |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can |
| Tomato paste | 1 can |
| Mushroom pieces | 2 cups |
| Garlic | As per taste |
| Parsley | As per taste |
| Dried oregano | As per taste |
| Dried sage | As per taste |
| Basil | As per taste |
| Pepper | As per taste |
| Sugar | As per taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 383.4
- Fat: 18.1g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Cholesterol: 77.1mg
- Sodium: 1468mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.6g
- Fiber: 6.3g
- Sugar: 20.5g
- Protein: 28.1g
Directions:
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Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, preferably a cast iron one for even heating, quickly and thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
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Add Aromatics: Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess fat and add in the mushroom pieces, followed by minced garlic (use at least a tablespoon for robust flavor), a generous amount of chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of dried oregano, sage, and basil for depth of flavor.
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Incorporate Tomato Components: Stir in the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste until well combined with the beef and aromatics.
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Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low.
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Slow Cook: Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer gently for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season to Taste: After the initial simmer, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more garlic, pepper, basil, oregano, sage, and parsley to suit your preference. A touch of sugar can also enhance the flavor profile.
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Continue Cooking: Cover the pot again and continue to cook the sauce over medium-low heat for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken.
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Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce again and adjust the seasoning if necessary to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.
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Thicken the Sauce: Keep the pot covered and continue to cook the sauce over medium-low heat for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has reached your desired thickness. The sauce should be reduced by about half, resulting in a rich and hearty consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce is thick and flavorful, it’s ready to be served! Ladle it generously over your favorite pasta for a classic spaghetti dinner, or spread it onto slices of crusty bread and top with grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a delicious twist.
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Store Any Leftovers: Any leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
Enjoy your Thick n’ Hearty Spaghetti Sauce, packed with savory flavors and made with love! 🍅🌿🍝
