Aunt Millie's Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Spaghetti is a classic American dish that many of us have enjoyed since childhood. While there are many variations of spaghetti sauce recipes, Aunt Millie's Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is one that stands out. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, and I'm excited to share it with you. In this article, I'll take you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious and easy-to-make sauce, along with some tips and tricks to make it even better.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Before you start making Aunt Millie's Spaghetti Sauce Recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores, and you can adjust the amounts depending on how many people you're serving or how much leftovers you want.
The Step-by-Step Process
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Follow these steps to make Aunt Millie's Spaghetti Sauce Recipe:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.
- If using, pour in the red wine and stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add the sugar to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!
This recipe makes enough sauce for about 6 servings of spaghetti. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make Aunt Millie's Spaghetti Sauce Recipe even better:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste.
- Don't skip the red wine. It adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that you won't get otherwise.
- If you like your sauce a little sweeter, add the sugar at the end.
- Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze the leftovers for an easy weeknight meal.
- Experiment with different types of pasta. While spaghetti is the classic choice, this sauce goes well with any type of pasta.
The Final Verdict
Aunt Millie's Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a classic and easy-to-make sauce that is sure to please the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can have a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love. So next time you're in the mood for spaghetti, give this recipe a try and taste the difference.