Get ready to transform your pasta night with this Best Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe. Rich in flavor and easy to make, this savory sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it with chopped onion in a large skillet. As it cooks, break the beef into small pieces. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar into the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly and bring it to a boil.
- Add water to the skillet and mix well. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Optionally, stir in chopped basil before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup water
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 814mg | Potassium: 948mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 885IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- What is the difference between spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, and pizza sauce?
- Spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, and pizza sauce are all tomato-based, but they have distinct characteristics. Marinara sauce is a slow-cooked, meatless tomato sauce often containing garlic and herbs. Spaghetti sauce is typically a more complex version of marinara, potentially including meat, vegetables, or extra spices. Pizza sauce is usually uncooked, simple, and designed to cook along with the pizza for enhanced flavor.
- Can I prepare homemade spaghetti sauce in advance?
- Yes, homemade spaghetti sauce can be prepared ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, allow the sauce to cool completely before freezing it in a labeled gallon freezer bag. The sauce can be stored flat in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. When ready to use, reheat the frozen sauce on the stove.
- Do you have any suggestions for side dishes to serve with spaghetti sauce?
- Some excellent side dishes to complement spaghetti sauce include homemade breadsticks similar to those from Olive Garden, a fresh tomato cucumber salad, or a classic wedge salad.
- How can I make this spaghetti sauce recipe gluten-free?
- To make the spaghetti sauce gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and serve it with gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- Is it possible to customize the texture of the meat in the sauce?
- Yes, the texture of the meat in the spaghetti sauce can be customized. After browning the beef and onion, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor for a smoother texture, or leave it as is if you prefer larger pieces of meat in the sauce.
Tips
- For a smoother sauce, consider pulsing the browned beef in a food processor a couple of times after browning to achieve a finer crumble.
- Enhance the depth of flavor by simmering the sauce for 30 minutes or longer, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- If making the sauce in advance, let it cool completely before freezing. Store it in a labeled freezer bag, laid flat for easier storage, and use within 4-6 months by reheating on the stove until warm.
- If you prefer gluten-free options, substitute with gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and gluten-free spaghetti noodles to adapt the recipe accordingly.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Used to finely crumble the browned ground beef for a smoother sauce texture.
- Large Skillet – Necessary for browning the beef and onion, and cooking the sauce.
