Alton Brown Spaghetti And Meat Sauce
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic meal that is beloved by many. It's comforting, filling, and easy to make. However, not all spaghetti and meat sauces are created equal. Some are too bland, while others are too heavy. But fear not, because Alton Brown has come up with a recipe that strikes the perfect balance.
The Ingredients
Before we get into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 1/2 cup grated celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry or fridge, making this recipe a breeze to make.
The Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- Begin by heating a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the grated carrot, onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
And that's it! In just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious spaghetti and meat sauce that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making this recipe:
- Don't skip the grated vegetables. They add flavor and nutrition to the sauce.
- Use a mix of crushed and diced tomatoes for a chunky sauce with lots of texture.
- Let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti. Al dente spaghetti has a nice chewy texture that pairs well with the sauce.
- Don't skimp on the Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic meal that everyone should have in their repertoire. And with Alton Brown's recipe, you can make a delicious and satisfying version that will please even the pickiest eaters. So why not give it a try tonight?