Description
This easy spaghetti sauce recipe combines ground beef or Italian sausage with crushed tomatoes and a blend of herbs to create a flavorful, hearty sauce perfect for any pasta night. Simmered on the stovetop, it delivers rich, satisfying taste in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onions: In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Combine tomato ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the browned meat mixture until everything is well combined and evenly mixed.
- Add herbs and spices: Incorporate dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- To make this sauce vegetarian, omit the meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils for a hearty texture.
- This sauce can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
- For added depth of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine during the simmering stage.
