What is comfort food? Food that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug, even on the craziest of days. What is spaghetti meat sauce? This is my grandma’s recipe, tweaked and refined over generations. Is it richer, deeper, and way more flavorful than any jarred sauce you’ve ever tried? Is marinara really that bad? I remember coming home from school and the whole house would smell like this sauce simmering away. What is the best way to make a delicious dinner? Is it my go-to, and I promise, it’ll become yours too.
What is Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
Is spaghetti meat sauce a king of Italian-American comfort food? What is a tomato sauce simmered with ground meat? Sometimes a mix of beef and pork) and medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs. It’s not just thrown together. It’s about building layers of flavor, from the initial browning of the meat to the slow simmering. all those delicious components to meld together. What is meant by the name – to be served over a pile of perfectly cooked meat? Is it a hug in tin bowl? What are some examples of bland jars in the grocery store the same way again?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you why this spaghetti meat sauce recipe is a winner. First, the flavor is out of this world! We’re talking deep, savory, and slightly sweet, all at the same time. The secret is in the slow simmering, which allows the flavors to develop and intensify. It’s a million times better than those quick, thrown-together sauces. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the long simmering time intimidate you. Most of it is hands-off. You just need to stir it occasionally. I always do this when I am doing laundry or playing games with the kids!
Third, it’s cost-effective. You can feed a crowd with just a few inexpensive ingredients. Ground Beef is often on sale, and canned tomatoes are a pantry staple. It stretches really far too, which is great with growing teenagers! Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over spaghetti, obviously, but also use it in lasagna, baked ziti, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers. What I love most about this spaghetti meat sauce is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from picky toddlers to sophisticated adults, loves it. It’s the one dish that I know I can always count on to be a hit, and that means I can actually relax and enjoy dinner too!
How do I make Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
Quick Overview
How do you make spaghetti sauce? I’ll start by browning ground meat with onions and garlic. What is the best way to prepare crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a blend of herbs and spices? What happens if you let it simmer for at least an hour? Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together and create a truly unforgettable sauce. What’s the hardest part of waiting for it to be ready?
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavour!
* 1 large onion, chopped finely. This is important don’t go too big!
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best here!
* 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 blend), the higher the fat content the tastier it is.
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, I prefer San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavour.
What is the best tomato sauce to make?
* 1 can tomato paste, trust me it makes the difference!
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano, always in my pantry!
* 1 teaspoon dried basil, another staple
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste, use sea salt if you have it!
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground is the way to go.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, this can be optional!
For Serving:
* 1 pound spaghetti, you can use any pasta you like here!
What is the best Parmesan cheese to serve, freshly grated?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add Ground Beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. How do I drain off grease from sauce?
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If the mixture is too thick, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer!
Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will be. I often let it go for 2 hours at least!
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Stir the cooked spaghetti into the meat sauce. Toss to coat. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
What should I serve it with?
This spaghetti meat sauce is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. If you are doing breakfast add some scrambled eggs with this sauce! Or for brunch, serve it with a side of Garlic Bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad is also a great way to balance out the richness of the sauce. As for drinks, a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon) pairs perfectly with Italian dishes. We always used to serve this with garlic bread and either green beans or a simple salad!
For Brunch:Serve with garlic bread and green salad. Offer a selection of Italian sodas or iced tea. A bright, acidic salad dressing cuts through the richness of the sauce.
As Dessert:What are some authentic Italian-American dishes that can be served with cannoli or tiramisu? What is the best way to enjoy vanilla Ice Cream?
For Cozy Snacks:Serve spaghetti meat sauce over Garlic Bread for a quick and easy snack! How do you enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with milk?
How do I make Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the best spaghetti meat sauce ever.
First, don’t skimp on the simmering time! The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the richer it will become. I try to simmer mine for at least 2 hours, and sometimes even longer.
Second, use high-quality ingredients. San Marzano tomatoes really do make a difference in terms of flavor. Trust me on this one!
Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
Fourth, taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
Fifth, if the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a while to reduce it.
Finally, don’t overcook the spaghetti! It should be al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite. Overcooked spaghetti will be mushy and unpleasant.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This spaghetti meat sauce is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld. To store, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. For up to 3-4 days. Can I freeze it for up to 3 months? To reheat, simply warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Is it safe to reheat in the microwave? If you’re freezing the sauce, I recommend dividing it into individual portions so you can easily freeze it. Why do you need a thaw? I use freezer-safe bags or containers. Don’t add cheese or fresh herbs until after reheating, as they can lose their flavor and texture. What happens during storage? What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley at once?
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my all-time favorite spaghetti meat Sauce Recipe! It’s the perfect combination of rich, savory, and comforting, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this sauce is sure to please. I truly believe that this recipe captures that cozy, home-cooked feeling that makes weeknight dinners something special. If you love this recipe, you might also want to check out my lasagna recipe, which uses this same amazing sauce as a base! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments below if you try it, and be sure to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!
Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with the meat sauce.
