Spaghetti Sauce to Die For 🍝
Overview:
If you’re craving a hearty and tangy spaghetti sauce that will elevate your pasta game to new heights, look no further! This recipe, lovingly dubbed “Spaghetti Sauce to Die For,” is a culmination of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning Italian food aficionados. With a perfect balance of meatiness and tanginess, this sauce has been meticulously tweaked to near perfection, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 427.8 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 21 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried bay leaf
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
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Once cooked, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, oregano, salt, basil, thyme, and bay leaf, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
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Pour the mixture into a large pot, preferably one that is wider than it is tall, to allow for better evaporation. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Allow the sauce to simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, aiming for a thick and luscious texture.
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During the last 5 minutes of simmering, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
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Once the sauce is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard.
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Serve the sauce over hot cooked pasta of your choice, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
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Enjoy your masterpiece with family and friends, savoring each delightful bite of this tantalizing spaghetti sauce to die for!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 427.8
- Total Fat: 23.2g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 102.8mg
- Sodium: 1208.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.2g
- Sugar: 14.7g
- Protein: 31.6g
Keywords:
Meat, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Less than 4 Hours
Tips:
- For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Experiment with adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make a double batch and freeze the extra sauce in portion-sized containers for convenient future meals.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more herbs or spices for an extra kick.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the sauce to cook slowly enhances the depth of flavor.
- Pair this sauce with your favorite type of pasta or use it as a topping for homemade pizza for a delicious twist.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as olives, capers, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.