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Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Spaghetti Meat Sauce
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Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a classic, comforting dish combining hearty ground meat with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy and versatile recipe is perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a warm and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini (for added vegetables)
  • Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner meat option)
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (for spicier sauce)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (to add just before serving)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (saute with meat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic to create a balanced, intense flavor base. Have all your spices and tomato sauce ready to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is evenly browned and no longer pink, forming a rich flavor foundation.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and aromatic, deepening the sauce’s complexity.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This melds the flavors and thickens the sauce for perfect spaghetti coating consistency.
  6. Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory richness.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs, such as fresh basil or oregano, to dramatically enhance aroma and brightness.
  • Don’t overcook the meat; brown it just right to keep the texture tender and not dry or crumbly.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to allow flavors to develop without burning.
  • Season in layers by adding salt and pepper gradually for a balanced taste.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti meat sauce, quick dinner, easy pasta sauce, comfort food, family-friendly, Italian meat sauce

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/spaghetti-meat-sauce/