Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

Indulge in the timeless comfort of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, a classic dish that brings together rich flavors and hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal. This recipe features succulent ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic and herbs, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

With its simple preparation and delightful taste, this spaghetti dish is sure to become a beloved favorite at your table. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a truly comforting dining experience. Let’s get cooking!

Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 pounds ground beef

1 large yellow onion peeled

3 cloves garlic peeled

2 tbsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes

1 28 oz can chopped tomatoes with juices

Instructions

Start by finely chopping the onion and press the garlic.

Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering.

Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add onion and cook until translucent.

Immediately add ground beef and mix well breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until itis in small crumbles. Cook until meat is brown and no longer pink. At this point, you can drain the excess fat if desired.

Add crushed tomatoes and tomato puree. Pour vinegar and season with dried basil, salt, and pepper.

Cover and let simmer on low for about 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget to give the sauce a few stirs in the meantime. (or over medium to lose for 20 minutes )

Serve the meat sauce with your favorite cooked pasta. This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 4-6 months.

Notes:

Meat Options: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground meats for a different flavor profile. For a richer sauce, consider using ground pork or Italian sausage.

Flavor Enhancements: For added depth, consider incorporating a splash of red wine when you add the crushed tomatoes. It enhances the sauce’s richness and complexity.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery when sautéing the onions. This will enhance the flavor and nutrition of your sauce.

Simmering Time: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the better the flavors will meld together. If you have time, aim for the full 2 to 3 hours on low heat. If you’re in a hurry, 20 minutes over medium heat will still yield a tasty sauce.

Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also be added just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Storage: This meat sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 4 to 6 months. To reheat, gently simmer on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this meat sauce over spaghetti, but it pairs well with any pasta shape. You can also use it in lasagna, as a filling for baked ziti, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Garnishing: Consider topping the finished dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones.

Simply chop fresh tomatoes and cook them down until they release their juices to achieve a similar consistency as canned tomatoes.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the sauce reaches the desired thickness.

Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or cider vinegar.

These alternatives will provide a similar tangy flavor to the sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version.

For a vegan option, ensure that the balsamic vinegar and pasta are also vegan-friendly.

How can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?

Seasoning preferences can vary widely among individuals.

Adjust the salt, pepper, and dried basil according to your taste.

You can also add additional herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of the sauce.

Can I freeze the meat sauce before adding it to pasta?

Yes, you can freeze the meat sauce before adding it to pasta.

Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Ensure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning when sautéing?

To prevent garlic from burning, ensure your pan is not too hot and keep an eye on it while sautéing.

Stir frequently and remove from heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

Additionally, you can add the garlic to the pan after the onions have softened slightly to reduce the risk of burning.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a combination of different meats according to your preference.

Just adjust cooking times accordingly as different meats may require different cooking times.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this dish healthier, you can use lean ground meat or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.

You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to increase the nutritional content and fiber.

Can I use fresh basil instead of dried basil?

Yes, you can substitute fresh basil for dried basil in this recipe.

Use about 3 times the amount of fresh basil compared to dried basil, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Add the fresh basil towards the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to regular pasta?

Yes, there are many gluten-free pasta options available, such as those made from brown rice, quinoa, chickpea flour, or lentils.

Simply cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions and serve with the meat sauce as usual.

Can I make this sauce in advance and reheat it later?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes even better when made in advance as the flavors have time to meld together

. Simply store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How do I know when the sauce is done simmering?

The sauce is done simmering when it has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded together.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the sauce.

Simply chop them finely and add them along with the onions during cooking.

Can I omit the balsamic vinegar if I don’t have any?

While balsamic vinegar adds a unique flavor to the sauce, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand.

You may want to add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors instead.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

To make it vegan, ensure that the balsamic vinegar and pasta are also vegan-friendly, and use plant-based alternatives for any dairy products.