Cooking Spaghetti Sauce In The Oven
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in most households, but have you ever considered cooking it in the oven? Not only does it free up stovetop space, but it also creates a richer, more flavorful sauce. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook spaghetti sauce in the oven, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers to make the sauce more nutritious.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
8. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
9. Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make cooking spaghetti sauce in the oven easier and more enjoyable:
- Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to avoid transferring the sauce to a baking dish.
- Feel free to add more or less of the seasonings to your liking.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes in a blender or food processor before adding them to the skillet.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Conclusion
There you have it, a delicious alternative to stovetop cooking. Cooking spaghetti sauce in the oven not only saves time and space, but it also enhances the flavors of the sauce. Try it out and let us know what you think!