Get ready to transform your pasta night from ordinary to extraordinary with this irresistible Italian-style spaghetti lasagna sauce that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine a rich, hearty sauce that's packed with robust flavors, perfectly browned beef, and a symphony of herbs that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress your family or a culinary enthusiast seeking the ultimate sauce recipe, this game-changing sauce is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef until it browns completely, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the beef and onion mixture, stirring quickly to prevent garlic from burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to distribute the herbs and seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before using in your lasagna or serving with pasta.
Tips
- Use fresh ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and richness.
- Always brown the meat thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Sauté onions and garlic slowly to release their natural sweetness and prevent burning.
- Let the sauce simmer low and slow to allow the herbs and tomatoes to meld together beautifully.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water or beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- The sauce tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce slightly after cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
