Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a flavorful and satisfying spaghetti meat sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for ease and delicious results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic Italian-American dish!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe provides enough sauce for about 6 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
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For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup water
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For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Meat Sauce
Step 1: Browning the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
Step 3: Building the Flavor
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally. Add the 1/2 cup of water during the simmering process to maintain a nice consistency.
Step 4: Cooking the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 5: Combining and Serving
Once the sauce has simmered, remove the bay leaf (if used). Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot and toss to coat it evenly with the meat sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce
- For a deeper flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add vegetables: Enhance your sauce with carrots, celery, or bell peppers, sautéed with the onions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices to create your perfect sauce.
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Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti meat sauce!
