Homemade Spaghetti Sauce With Ground Beef
Spaghetti with meat sauce is a timeless classic that has been a staple in American households for generations. While it's easy to grab a jar of store-bought sauce, nothing beats the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef. The aroma of simmering herbs and spices will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of making homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef, and share tips to help you achieve the perfect flavor every time.
Ingredients
The first step to making homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Follow these easy steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and water to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.
- Serve the spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Spaghetti Sauce
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect spaghetti sauce:
- Use fresh herbs if possible. Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh herbs will give your sauce a more vibrant flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer for as long as possible. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be. If you have the time, let it simmer for a few hours.
- Don't be afraid to add more seasonings. Taste the sauce as it simmers and add more herbs, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes. The quality of the tomatoes will affect the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can create a flavorful sauce that will impress your family and friends. Use these tips and tricks to make the perfect spaghetti sauce every time, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cooking.