Recipe For Meat Sauce For Spaghetti
Introduction
Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in many American households. It's simple, versatile, and can be made in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to enjoy spaghetti is with a rich and flavorful meat sauce. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive recipe for meat sauce for spaghetti that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect meat sauce for your spaghetti:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet or Dutch oven. Stir well to combine.
- Add the browned ground beef back to the skillet or Dutch oven and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree it until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve the meat sauce over cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best meat sauce possible:
- Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead.
- If you like your sauce a little sweeter, you can add more sugar or a splash of red wine.
- If you're short on time, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to use it.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive recipe for meat sauce for spaghetti, you'll be able to create a delicious and hearty meal that your entire family will love. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!