Description
A rich and flavorful Italian Spaghetti Sauce made with a blend of ground meat, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This classic sauce simmers slowly to develop deep, savory flavors, perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta. Enhanced with optional red wine and a touch of sweetness, it’s garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, ground turkey)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Liquids
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground meat, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Wine: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and red wine into the saucepan. Mix well.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. For extra depth of flavor, let it simmer an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and sauté additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Red wine is optional but adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount based on desired spiciness.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor; increase quantity by about 50% compared to dried herbs.
