Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Besides the fact that this sauce is delicious, I love that this recipe makes a TON. We generally eat it for dinner once, spoon enough of it into a freezer bag for another meal somewhere down the road, and save a few cups of it in the fridge for easy leftovers or other kitchen endeavors. It's double-duty recipes like these that I love to keep on hand for busy school nights and whenever my motivation to cook dinner runs dry.
Besides the fact that this sauce is delicious, I love that this recipe makes a TON. We generally eat it for dinner once, spoon enough of it into a freezer bag for another meal somewhere down the road, and save a few cups of it in the fridge for easy leftovers or other kitchen endeavors. It's double-duty recipes like these that I love to keep on hand for busy school nights and whenever my motivation to cook dinner runs dry.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 pound italian sausage
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms sliced
- 1/4 c brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 teaspoons dried basil
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cups onion chopped and divided
- 1 red pepper coarsely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 12 oz. can tomato paste
- 2 14-oz. cans italian-style stewed tomatoes
- 2 28-oz. cans crushed tomatoes
- Carbohydrate 1762.61874586283 g
- Cholesterol 5330.29301675381 mg
- Fat 1441.89139379902 g
- Fiber 7.87148403874149 g
- Protein 1260.87461892597 g
- Saturated Fat 820.101032239159 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (17811g)
- Sodium 23972.1438519251 mg
- Sugar 1754.74726182409 g
- Trans Fat 81.1819701988871 g
- Calories 24851 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add ½ of the onions and saute until translucent and slightly browned.
- Add garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Add beef and sausage and cook until no red remains.
- Drain excess fat off of the cooked meat and return to the pan.
- Place the remaining onions and red pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until mostly smooth.
- Add mixture to the garlic, onions and beef and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.
- Add tomato paste and spices and cook for 1 minute, stirring until combined.
- Add tomatoes, beef broth, sugar and mushrooms.
- Stir until combined and add the bay leaves and balsamic vinegar.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour up to 3-4. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will get. The sauce will seem watery at first, but as it simmers it will thicken.
My Secret Weapon for Busy Weeknights: The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic scramble to get something nutritious and palatable on the table before bedtime. That’s why I’ve perfected this incredible homemade spaghetti sauce recipe – it’s a lifesaver, truly. Forget those jars of bland, processed sauce lurking on the supermarket shelves; this recipe is all about rich, robust flavor, and the best part? It makes enough for multiple meals.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness, but also in its incredible versatility. One night, we enjoy it with freshly cooked spaghetti, savoring every spoonful of that rich, tomatoey goodness. The next day, I scoop a generous portion into a freezer bag, a ready-made meal waiting for a busy weeknight when cooking feels like an impossible task. And there’s always a few cups left in the fridge, ready for a quick pasta lunch, a pizza topping upgrade, or even as a base for a hearty soup. It's practically magic!
I've always believed in the power of homemade food. There's something so satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch, knowing exactly what ingredients are going into my family's meal. Plus, there’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes with making something from scratch, especially when it's something as comforting and beloved as spaghetti sauce. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a small act of love, a way to nourish my family with wholesome food, even on those hectic evenings.
The key to this sauce’s amazing flavor is the long simmering time. The longer you let it bubble away, the more the flavors meld and deepen, creating a rich and complex taste that will leave you wanting more. Don't be tempted to rush this process! It's during this simmering time that the magic happens. The initial watery consistency gradually transforms into a thick, intensely flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta. Trust me on this one—patience is key here.
But beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is also designed for efficiency. I've carefully chosen the ingredients to maximize flavor while minimizing prep time. While some recipes call for hours of chopping and simmering, this one strikes a perfect balance between quality and convenience. The simple yet effective ingredient list ensures a fantastic outcome without requiring specialized cooking skills or exotic ingredients. You probably have most of what you need right in your pantry right now!
This sauce is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a stress-reliever, and a delicious way to show my family that I care. It’s a constant in our busy lives, a warm and comforting meal that always hits the spot. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's an easy, flexible recipe that's perfect for any occasion. You'll be amazed at how quickly this simple recipe becomes a staple in your own kitchen, a quick and easy solution for those evenings when convenience and flavor are both crucial.
Beyond our family's weekly spaghetti nights, I also find that this sauce is fantastic for meal prepping. I’ve found it freezes extremely well. Once it's cooled completely, simply portion it into freezer bags, and it’s ready for whenever you need a quick, delicious dinner. This makes it perfect for those times when life gets particularly hectic and you need a stress-free meal solution. It’s a delicious safety net and also allows for creativity, as you can easily transform leftovers into entirely new dishes. For instance, I sometimes use leftover sauce as a base for a hearty meat sauce, or spread it on pizza for an amazing twist on a classic.
I often think of cooking not merely as a task but as a form of self-care. The rhythmic chopping, the fragrant steam rising from the pot, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen—these are small moments of peace and quiet amidst the chaos of daily life. This sauce, therefore, is more than just food; it's a small act of self-care in my busy schedule. The preparation and the subsequent enjoyment of this dish offer a brief respite, a connection to simpler times, and a sense of accomplishment in nurturing my loved ones and myself. And for a working mother, that's invaluable.
So, go ahead, make a big batch of this wonderful sauce. You won’t regret it. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a part of your family’s culinary history, a comforting tradition passed down through generations. It’s the kind of sauce that evokes memories of cozy evenings, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal together. Try it, and you will soon discover why this has become a beloved staple in our home.
