Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary experience with Sandy's Meaty Spaghetti Sauce! This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine a rich, hearty sauce that perfectly balances tender ground beef, ripe crushed tomatoes, and a magical blend of Italian seasonings that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to becoming a sauce-making superstar!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will help to prevent the ground beef from sticking.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Now, pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the beef and onion mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, stirring well to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- If desired, you can add salt and pepper to taste during the simmering process. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can prepare your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and set aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.
- After 30 minutes of simmering, taste the sauce one final time and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from heat.
- To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate and ladle the meaty spaghetti sauce generously over the top. You can garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Sandys Meaty Spaghetti Sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose a high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 works best) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Sauté Secret: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. The slower and more carefully you cook them, the more depth of flavor you'll develop.
- Fat Management: While draining excess fat is important, don't remove all of it – a little fat helps carry the sauce's flavors.
- Simmer Slowly: The 30-minute simmer is crucial. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a truly remarkable sauce.
- Seasoning Hack: Taste and adjust your seasonings throughout the cooking process. Start with a little salt and pepper, and add more as needed.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This sauce actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of authenticity, use freshly grated Parmesan and some torn fresh basil as a final garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 169kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
