Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Try this Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 pound italian sausage
- 2 teaspoons dried italian seasoning
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 large onions finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 12- oz can tomato paste
- salt and pepper to season beef
- 1 pound pork breakfast sausage (i use jimmy dean)
- 2 28- oz cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 28- oz cans tomato sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar*
- Carbohydrate 0.556431510702873 g
- Cholesterol 38.9333450916667 mg
- Fat 10.2850132874812 g
- Fiber 0.0880933619686269 g
- Protein 10.3406150617866 g
- Saturated Fat 3.74622568473812 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -26 (107g)
- Sodium 164.800719584848 mg
- Sugar 0.468338148734246 g
- Trans Fat 0.809459284551163 g
- Calories 139 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook onions in olive oil over medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Add garlic then continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste then continue cooking for 3-5 minutes.
- Add water then stir to combine.
- Meanwhile cook and crumble the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper; drain the meat then add to the sauce.
- Cook and crumble both types of sausage together, drain, then add to the sauce.
- Add remaining ingredients (*start with two tablespoons of sugar then add more to taste if desired).
- Cook, uncovered, for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Keep the heat around medium-low, or whatever temperature you need to maintain a slow simmer.
- Serve over pasta, use in lasagna or freeze in airtight containers up to six months.
My Favorite Homemade Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal for my family can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But there's nothing quite like the aroma of simmering sauce filling the kitchen, a promise of a comforting family dinner. This homemade spaghetti with meat sauce recipe is my go-to – it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet flavorful enough to impress even the most discerning palates. The best part? It's incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand.
The secret to a truly great meat sauce lies in the slow simmer. I find that letting the flavors meld together over a couple of hours creates a depth and richness that’s hard to replicate with quicker methods. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when cooked with patience and love, can transform into something truly special. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day! I often double the recipe so I have enough for lunches throughout the week, making meal prepping a breeze.
I've experimented with different variations over the years, adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. Sometimes, I even throw in a handful of spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas upon which you can paint your culinary creations. Feel free to add your own personal touches – a dash of red wine, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even some spicy Italian sausage. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: I always try to use good quality ground beef and Italian sausage. The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste.
- Don't Be Afraid of the Sugar: A little sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: A slow simmer is key to developing the rich flavors of the sauce. If it's boiling too vigorously, reduce the heat.
- Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight meals.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own signature sauce.
This meat sauce is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a tradition. It’s the embodiment of warmth, family, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious home-cooked meal. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds!). This is a recipe that's been passed down through generations, a timeless classic that continues to bring people together. It's a testament to the power of simple, honest cooking, proving that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones made with love.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe represents more than just a meal; it represents a connection to my heritage and a legacy of family recipes. It's a story told through each simmering hour, a tradition I’m proud to share and pass on. It’s a reminder that the simplest dishes can be the most meaningful. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your family, and let’s embark on this culinary journey together. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible scent of freshly made pasta.
And don't be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a starting point, a foundation upon which you can build your own culinary masterpiece. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even a splash of wine – the possibilities are endless! The most important ingredient, after all, is the love you put into it. So, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into such a simple dish.
