Description
Hearty spaghetti sauce from Italy delights dinner tables with rich tomato flavors and classic herbs. Home cooks can quickly prepare this comforting meal that connects families around warm, delicious plates.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Components:
- 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste concentrate
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high temperature. Sear ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until richly browned for approximately 5 minutes.
- Eliminate excess grease from the meat. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate tomato paste and minced garlic, stirring continuously for one minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and blend all selected seasonings thoroughly.
- Fill the empty tomato sauce container with water and add to the mixture, creating a harmonious consistency.
- Reduce cooking temperature to low, partially cover the pot with a lid, and allow sauce to gently simmer for 45-50 minutes.
- Periodically stir the sauce, monitoring its gradual thickening and developing deep, rich flavors.
- Once sauce reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and let rest briefly.
- Ladle the robust sauce over freshly prepared pasta, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, healthier sauce base.
- Consider using turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options that maintain rich flavor profiles.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like fresh basil or oregano instead of dried seasonings to elevate the sauce’s aromatic complexity.
- Allow sauce to cool and store in airtight containers for up to 5 days, as flavors develop and intensify over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg