Dive into a world of flavor with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe. Prepared with fresh ingredients, this sauce offers a heartwarming taste that transforms your regular pasta into a dish worth remembering. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples, but there are a few you may need to pick up from the supermarket. Fresh basil and parsley can be found in the produce section and add a freshness that dried herbs can't match. The ground beef used is 85% lean, which provides a great balance of flavor and texture. For the tomatoes, you can opt for fresh, but canned ones will work just as well.
Ingredients for Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Olive oil: It's used for sautéing and adds a delicate flavor to the sauce.
Ground beef: This is the main protein in your sauce. It adds texture and flavor.
Onion: This adds a layer of flavor and a bit of sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic: A key ingredient for adding a zesty flavor.
Tomatoes: The base for your spaghetti sauce. They provide the tangy and sweet flavor.
Water: This is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Tomato paste: This deepens the tomato flavor.
Basil: This adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.
Oregano: This adds a bold, earthy flavor.
Parmesan: This adds a rich, savory flavor.
Parsley: It is used for garnishing and adds a fresh and slightly peppery flavor.
One reader, Francklin Moffett says:
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and authentic, and the aroma is simply irresistible. It's easy to make and tastes like it's been simmering all day. My family couldn't get enough of it. It's definitely a new staple in our home!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
How to sear ground beef: Sear the ground beef in a hot skillet, allowing it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden brown crust before breaking it up and continuing to cook until fully browned.
How to sauté onions and garlic: Cook the onions in the skillet until softened and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
How to simmer spaghetti sauce: After combining all the ingredients, bring the sauce to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are tender. Adjust the consistency with water or tomato paste as needed.
How To Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
You’ll have no need for those canned spaghetti sauces when you have this spaghetti sauce recipe. It has loads of beef, basil, and tomatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1lb85% lean ground beef
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1small yellow onion,finely chopped
- 3clovesgarlic,(1 tbsp), minced
- 28oztomatoes,(1 can), crushed
- ¾cupwater,or as needed
- 2½tbsptomato paste
- ¼cupfresh basil,(1 packed), chopped
- ¾tsporegano,dried
- ¼cupparmesan,finely shredded, plus more for serving
- fresh parsley,chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a 12-inch (and deep) skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add beef in crumbles, leaving space between them, and let sear on bottom for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
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Then start crumbling beef and continue to cook, tossing and crumbling occasionally for about 3 minutes more until fully cooked through.
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Transfer beef to a large plate lined with paper towels, leave 1 tablespoon rendered fat or olive oil in skillet
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Reduce skillet heat to medium, add onion and saute 4 minutes. Add garlic saute 1 minute longer.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, water, tomatoes paste, cooked beef, basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a light boil then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until onions are tender. Thin with a little more water as needed (or thicken with a little more tomato paste as needed).
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Stir in parmesan. Serve warm with cooked spaghetti, garnish with more parmesan and parsley.
Nutrition
- Calories: 246.43kcal
- Fat: 15.56g
- Saturated Fat: 5.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.65g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.06g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.74g
- Carbohydrates: 8.99g
- Fiber: 2.45g
- Sugar: 4.89g
- Protein: 18.15g
- Cholesterol: 55.62mg
- Sodium: 628.80mg
- Calcium: 117.90mg
- Potassium: 662.98mg
- Iron: 2.57mg
- Vitamin A: 90.68µg
- Vitamin C: 24.65mg
Essential Technique Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Sauce
When making your homemade spaghetti sauce, it's important to properly sear the ground beef. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, enhances the flavor of the meat by creating a rich, caramelized crust. To achieve this, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef, and resist the urge to stir it immediately. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until a brown crust forms. This will add a depth of flavor to your sauce that can't be achieved by simply browning the meat.
Time-Saving Tips for Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the sauce and freeze the extra portions for future use.
Use canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are a convenient and time-saving alternative to fresh ones for the sauce.
Slow cooker magic: Consider using a slow cooker to simmer the sauce while you attend to other tasks.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
85% lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to beef, and it will work well in this spaghetti sauce recipe.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar flavor profile to yellow onions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, although the flavor may be slightly different.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience without sacrificing flavor.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add extra flavor to the sauce compared to water.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, adding a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for fresh basil, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated in flavor.
oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs, including oregano, and can be used as a substitute for oregano in this recipe.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley, but use it in smaller quantities as it is more concentrated in flavor.
Presenting Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use fresh basil and fresh parsley to add vibrant green hues and a touch of elegance to the dish. Consider using a fine drizzle of olive oil to enhance the overall presentation.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of the spaghetti and sauce on the plate. Use a pair of tongs to carefully twirl the spaghetti into a neat, elevated mound. Ensure that the sauce is generously spooned over the top, with each element thoughtfully arranged to create a visually appealing composition.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element to the dish by sprinkling a delicate dusting of grated parmesan over the spaghetti. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a subtle textural contrast, elevating the overall dining experience.
Focus on balance: Strive to achieve a harmonious balance of colors and flavors on the plate. Consider incorporating a vibrant, fresh basil leaf as a final touch to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Highlight the craftsmanship: Showcase the artistry and skill that goes into creating the dish by ensuring that each component is meticulously prepared and presented with precision. This attention to detail will resonate with the discerning palates of the culinary professionals.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or jar. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze the sauce:
- Divide the cooled sauce into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and amount of sauce.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for easier storage.
- Frozen spaghetti sauce will maintain its best quality for up to 4-6 months.
- To thaw frozen sauce, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- Tip: Freeze the sauce in portion sizes that you typically use for a meal to make thawing and reheating more convenient.
- Note: While the sauce will remain safe to eat after the recommended storage times, its quality may start to deteriorate. For the best flavor and texture, consume the sauce within the suggested timeframes.
How To Reheat Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover spaghetti sauce to a saucepan or pot. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Microwave method: Place the leftover sauce in a microwave-safe container. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through. Be careful when removing the container from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. This method is particularly useful if you have a large quantity of sauce to reheat.
Slow cooker method: If you have a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, you can use it to reheat your spaghetti sauce. Pour the sauce into the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let the sauce warm up for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal for reheating large batches of sauce and keeping it warm for an extended period.
Reheating with pasta: If you plan to serve the reheated sauce over pasta, you can combine the two during the reheating process. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, then drain it and add it to the saucepan or pot containing the reheating sauce. Toss the pasta and sauce together over low heat until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce is heated through.
Interesting Facts About Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti sauce is also known as marinara sauce, and it originated in Naples, Italy. It was first made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and it was used as a topping for pasta. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and now there are countless variations of homemade spaghetti sauce, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Is Making Spaghetti Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and onions, it provides a budget-friendly option for families. The use of staple pantry items like olive oil and spices adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 9/10 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a relatively healthy option, but there are a few areas where it could be improved:
- The recipe uses 85% lean ground beef, which is a good choice for reducing fat content. However, using an even leaner option like 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey could further reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as onions and garlic, which provide beneficial nutrients and flavor. Adding more vegetables, like diced carrots or bell peppers, could increase the nutritional value of the sauce.
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned could reduce the amount of added sodium in the recipe. If using canned tomatoes, opting for a low-sodium variety would be a better choice.
- The recipe calls for a moderate amount of olive oil, which is a healthy fat. However, the amount could be slightly reduced to lower the overall calorie content.
- The addition of fresh basil and oregano provides flavor and potential health benefits, as herbs contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
To make this spaghetti sauce even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a leaner meat option, such as 93% lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or lentils
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the sauce, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Slightly reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe to lower the calorie count
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Thoughts on This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a classic and comforting dish. The combination of the savory ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and the richness of the tomatoes creates a flavorful and hearty sauce. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and oregano adds a burst of freshness, while the parmesan cheese brings a touch of nuttiness. The recipe is well-balanced and versatile, making it a perfect accompaniment to any pasta dish. It's a timeless recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Enhance Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Spaghetti Sauce
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Why trust this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe:
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a trusted classic, crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. The use of 85% lean ground beef ensures a rich flavor without excess grease, while the addition of fresh basil and oregano infuses the sauce with aromatic depth. The inclusion of parmesan adds a touch of savory complexity, and the careful simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This recipe is a testament to the art of homemade Italian cuisine, promising a delightful and authentic dining experience.
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