The Ultimate Classic Spaghetti Sauce (Slow-Simmered Goodness)

Whip up the ultimate spaghetti sauce recipe! Slow-simmered for rich flavor like Nonna's. Easy, homemade, and perfect for pasta night. Get the secret!

Alright, let's dive into this spaghetti sauce recipe ! honestly, is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of pasta covered in a rich, homemade sauce? it's a hug in a bowl.

This isn't just any sauce, it's the ultimate classic spaghetti sauce and your family is gonna love it.

Why This Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Rocks

This homemade spaghetti meat sauce is all about that deep, simmered-all-day flavour. we are going to create a pasta sauce homemade , like a classic italian-american gravy.

It hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, and just a little bit tangy. it's perfect for a comforting pasta dinner recipes .

I've been tinkering with this recipe for ages, and it's finally ready to share with you lot!

A Taste of Tradition

This recipe, loosely inspired by that best spaghetti sauce ever one, pays homage to traditional italian-american cooking. it's the kind of sauce that nonna would be proud of.

It's a labour of love, to be sure, but the flavour is worth every minute.

Level Up Your Pasta Game

This is a medium-difficulty recipe. this homemade spaghetti sauce easy needs a bit of patience, taking around 2- 3 hours, but trust me, it's not complicated.

It yields about 6-8 servings, so it’s great for a family meal or even a small get-together. think saturday afternoon project rather than a quick weeknight thing.

The Good Stuff

Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which is a great antioxidant. making this homemade spaghetti sauce is a good way to add a healthy boost to your spaghetti meat sauce .

It’s also the perfect way to get everyone around the table on a sunday. seriously, the smell alone will have them lining up! this recipe is special because it is so customizable.

Ready to see what goes in this Sauce Spaghetti ? Keep reading!

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of making this incredible spaghetti sauce recipe . forget that shop-bought stuff that tastes like, well, nothing.

We're going homemade spaghetti sauce . trust me, once you taste this homemade spaghetti meat sauce , you'll never go back.

It's a game changer.

Ingredients & Equipment Deconstructed

First, gather your bits and pieces. Don't worry, you probably have most of this already. Honestly, half the fun is just rummaging through your cupboards, innit?

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Sauce Spaghetti

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons . Go for extra virgin, gives it that lovely fruity kick.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About a cup, or 150g .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy, that's roughly 2 teaspoons , or 6g .
• Ground beef: 1 pound (that's 454g , for our metric friends), go for 80/20 blend. That bit of fat equals flavour, innit?
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried basil: 1 teaspoon .
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a zing!).
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (equals 794g ). Don't skimp on quality!
• Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ).
• Tomato paste: 1 (6 ounce) can ( 170g ).
• Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon . A must to balance the acidity.
• Dry red wine: ½ cup (optional, but adds depth!). Chianti or Merlot is spot on.
• Bay leaf: 1 .
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
• Fresh basil: For garnish, optional.
• Grated Parmesan: For serving, also optional (but highly recommended!).

Key ingredient quality alert: for the tomatoes, go for a good brand. they make a world of difference. san marzano tomatoes are the gold standard, but any decent brand will do.

Honestly, cheap tomatoes can make or break the homemade spaghetti sauce easy .

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Oregano and basil are the backbone, you know? they’re like the simon & garfunkel of italian cooking. a touch of red pepper flakes can give it a lovely kick, but that’s totally up to you.

I always add a pinch, just for a little something-something. you can taste a chef boyardee spaghetti sauce recipe and then taste our recipe and you will see.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of fennel seeds can add a lovely anise flavour. Salt and pepper are essential! Taste as you go, and don't be afraid to adjust.

Equipment Needed: Bare Essentials for Pasta Sauce Homemade

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Crucial for even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula.
• Measuring spoons and cups.
• Can opener.

Don't have a dutch oven? no worries. a large, heavy-bottomed pot will do the trick. the key is even heat distribution.

If you don’t have measuring cups, use a normal cup. you will learn over time. remember those amazing pasta dinner recipes ?

This is way better than anything store-bought.

It makes a big batch of this homemade spaghetti so you can freeze some for later. honestly, future you will thank you! give this spaghetti meat sauce a go! you'll be amazed how easy it is.

Right then, let's get this show on the road and talk about proper cooking of a decent spaghetti sauce recipe ! forget jarred stuff; we are making homemade spaghetti meat sauce ! i have had my fair share of disasters and triumphs, so i'm here to share.

Honestly, nothing beats the smell of it simmering on a sunday arvo.

Ace Prep Steps for Your Ace Sauce

First things first, mise en place , yeah? getting everything ready is key. chop your onion (about 1 cup, or 150g), mince 2 cloves of garlic (that’s about 2 teaspoons, or 6g), and measure out all your spices.

Trust me, it saves loads of time later. safety wise, watch those sharp knives. no one wants a trip to a&e before dinner.

Nailing the Spaghetti Meat Sauce : Step by Step

Here's how to create a Pasta Sauce Homemade , quick and dirty:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft. About 5 minutes should do it.
2. Chuck in the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, but don't let it burn. Burnt garlic is gross.
3. Brown 1 pound of ground beef . Drain off any excess fat. No one likes greasy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce .
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil , and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you are feeling brave). Cook for 1 minute .
5. Add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, and 6 ounces of tomato paste . Stir well.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper . If you are feeling fancy, pour in ½ cup of red wine . Simmer for at least 2 hours .
7. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Pro Tips for a Proper Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Want that chef boyardee spaghetti sauce recipe quality but homemade style? simmer it low and slow for at least 2 hours .

This helps all the flavours meld together beautifully. don't skip the sugar; it balances the acidity. if you're short on time, you can simmer for less, but 3 hours is the sweet spot.

And there you have it – your own awesome spaghetti meat sauce . slap it on some pasta for proper pasta dinner recipes , and you've got yourself a meal.

It is homemade spaghetti sauce easy , innit? enjoy!

Alright, here's the "Recipe Notes" section. Hope it tickles your fancy!

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

So, you're about to embark on a homemade spaghetti meat sauce journey, eh? brilliant! but before you dive headfirst into that pot of simmering goodness, let's chat about a few extra bits and bobs to really elevate your pasta sauce homemade .

This ain't just any sauce spaghetti ; it's your sauce.

Serving Like a Pro

Think beyond just slopping it on a plate, yeah? when it comes to plating, a little effort goes a long way.

Twirl your spaghetti into a neat nest on the plate. ladle that glorious sauce over the top. a sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous grating of parmesan? chef's kiss .

Honestly, it’s about making your pasta dinner recipes look and feel special. as for sides, a simple garlic bread or a fresh green salad? sorted! a nice glass of chianti doesn't hurt either.

Storing the Liquid Gold

Got leftovers? lucky you! once cooled, bung your homemade spaghetti sauce easy into an airtight container. it'll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Want to freeze it? absolutely! portion it into freezer bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. it can last for up to 3 months.

When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. then gently warm it up on the hob, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.

Switching Things Up

Fancy a change? ditch the beef for turkey mince if you're feeling health-conscious. or, go completely veggie and load it up with mushrooms, courgettes, and peppers.

Trust me, homemade spaghetti tastes divine either way! you know, if tomatoes are out of season or you're just plain bored of them, roast some red peppers and blitz them into the sauce.

Sweet and smoky!

Nutrition Nuggets

Let’s be real, we're not counting every single calorie here. but it’s worth knowing that a serving of this spaghetti meat sauce packs a good punch of protein from the beef.

The tomatoes are full of antioxidants. just keep an eye on the salt levels. you know, everything in moderation! ditching some of the sodium and fat, will make you forget any chef boyardee spaghetti sauce recipe .

So there you have it. some extra thoughts on making a great sauce. get in the kitchen and work that homemade spaghetti sauce magic.

And if all else fails? well, there's always takeaways. but trust me, this is way tastier. you've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep this spaghetti sauce recipe in the fridge?

This spaghetti sauce recipe is best used within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you've got a big batch that you won't get through in that time, freezing is your best bet – just like saving leftovers for a rainy day!

Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce?

Absolutely! Freezing this spaghetti sauce recipe is a great way to preserve its deliciousness. Once completely cooled, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating – easy peasy!

What can I do if my spaghetti sauce is too acidic?

If your sauce tastes a bit too sharp, don't fret! A common trick is to add a pinch more sugar. Another option is to stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream. These additions mellow out the acidity and create a smoother, richer flavour, much like a chef would do in a fancy restaurant.

I don't have red wine – what's a good substitute in this spaghetti sauce recipe?

No vino? No worries! If you're out of red wine, you can easily substitute with beef broth for added depth, or even a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of that tangy flavour. Just remember, the wine adds a certain richness, so taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. It's all about making it your own, innit?

Can I make this spaghetti sauce vegetarian?

Of course! To make this a vegetarian spaghetti sauce recipe, simply omit the ground beef. Add in extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots when you would normally brown the meat. You can also add a can of lentils for some added protein and texture – a real meat-free Monday winner!

How do I thicken my spaghetti sauce if it's too watery?

If your sauce is a bit thin, there are a few ways to thicken it up. Continue simmering the sauce uncovered for longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. For a richer flavour and thicker consistency, you could also add a small amount of tomato paste. Sorted!

Previous Recipe: Creamy Dreamy Broccoli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort!
Next Recipe: Easy Christmas Crack Recipe: Addictive Cracker Toffee!