Quick and Easy Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Description
Discover the ultimate quick and easy spaghetti sauce recipe that’s perfect for when youโre in a pinch! While I usually take the time to make a slow-cooked version that simmers all day, this speedy sauce offers a satisfying alternative in just under two hours. Ideal for busy days, this sauce makes a generous batch that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.
Recipe Category
Spaghetti
Keywords
Vegetable, Meat, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1 ยฝ cups white wine
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 red sweet bell peppers, diced
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sweet sausage, sliced into ยผ-inch thick disks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Yield
About 6 quarts
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 1002.5
- Fat: 35.3g
- Saturated Fat: 10.3g
- Cholesterol: 107.3mg
- Sodium: 1978.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 101.9g
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugar: 32.6g
- Protein: 57.6g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Instructions
-
Chop the Tomatoes: Begin by coarsely chopping the canned whole tomatoes, including their liquid.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes with their liquid, red and white wines, oregano, sugar, cayenne pepper, and fresh ground black pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir regularly to prevent the sauce from scorching.
-
Prepare Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sautรฉ until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
-
Cook Bell Peppers: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking until the onions are slightly browned and the bell peppers are tender, stirring frequently.
-
Combine with Tomato Mixture: Transfer the sautรฉed vegetables into the tomato mixture in the saucepan.
-
Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic granules, and optional MSG. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef into crumbles as it browns.
-
Drain and Add Beef: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and add the beef to the tomato mixture.
-
Cook the Sausage: Slice the Italian sausage into ยผ-inch thick disks. Fry them in the same skillet over medium-high heat until they are well browned. Drain any excess fat and add the sausage to the tomato mixture.
-
Deglaze the Skillet: Pour ยฝ cup of wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Add this wine mixture to the tomato sauce.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking.
-
Add Parmesan Cheese: If desired, stir in ยฝ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue simmering until the total cooking time reaches approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
-
Serve and Store: Serve the hot sauce over freshly cooked pasta, and pass additional Parmesan cheese at the table. For leftovers, freeze the excess sauce in 1-quart Ziploc bags. Each quart of sauce, when served with pasta, will generously serve 3 people or 4 people when accompanied by French bread and a salad.
Notes
- Freezing Tips: This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Simply defrost in the refrigerator before reheating, and enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort!
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
This quick and easy spaghetti sauce is perfect for busy weeknights and unexpected guests. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this homemade classic, prepared in no time! ๐๐ท๐ง๐ง
