Description: This is not your average weeknight spaghetti sauce! This recipe delivers a rich, deeply flavorful meat sauce that simmers to perfection. It’s a classic comfort food elevated with simple techniques and a generous blend of herbs and spices. This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Get ready for a pasta night your taste buds won’t forget. This simmered spaghetti meat sauce is a game-changer, it will change the way you think about spaghetti.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Ground Chuck (80/20 blend recommended)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 1 large Onion (or 2 medium), finely diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
- 5 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans Tomato Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons Minced Fresh Parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Sweet Basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for pasta water)
- 1 lb Spaghetti Pasta
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice the onion and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Have all your spices measured out and ready to go. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Gathering your ingredients beforehand, also known as “mise en place,” is a crucial step in any successful cooking endeavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: In an extra-large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant and lightly browned, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chuck: Add the ground chuck to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, and evenly browned. It is best to use a spatula to make sure the ground chuck will break up easily. Make sure that there are no big chunks of ground chuck, the smaller the better.
Step 4: Drain the Grease: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy sauce and ensuring a better overall flavor. Nobody wants a greasy sauce, so it is important to make sure to drain the grease.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings and Spices: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, minced parsley, dried sweet basil, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper to the browned ground chuck. Stir well to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 7: Simmer the Sauce: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2-3 hours for an even richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching on the bottom of the pot. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen.
Step 8: Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Step 9: Drain the Spaghetti: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain the water from the pot. Do not rinse the pasta, as this can remove the starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Step 10: Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the simmering meat sauce. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti with the sauce. Serve immediately and add parmesan cheese.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Deeply Flavorful: The slow simmer allows the flavors of the meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices to meld together, creating a complex and satisfying sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare any time.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or meats.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of spaghetti with a rich, homemade meat sauce to warm the soul.
COOKING Rating Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve with meatballs, Italian sausage, or vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or Italian sausage.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers for added depth.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out.
- Freeze leftover sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (minimum, longer simmering enhances flavor) Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings) Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
This simmered spaghetti meat sauce recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and time. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a truly unforgettable meal. It’s a classic recipe that is sure to become a family favorite, passed down for generations. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the best spaghetti you’ve ever made! It is a guaranteed hit with all types of people. So if you are looking for a recipe that is easy, fast, simple, and effective, you have found the one!
Question and Answer:
- Question: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Answer: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, and ground turkey or chicken may require a bit more seasoning to achieve a similar depth of flavor. You can also consider adding a small amount of olive oil to the pan when browning the ground turkey or chicken, as they tend to be leaner than ground beef.
- Question: How can I make this sauce vegetarian? Answer: To make this sauce vegetarian, you can omit the ground beef entirely and add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. For a heartier texture, consider adding lentils or crumbled plant-based meat substitutes. Be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the flavors of the vegetables or meat substitutes you add.
- Question: Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker? Answer: Yes, this sauce can easily be made in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet as instructed in the recipe. Then, transfer the browned meat and vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking will intensify the flavors and result in a very tender and flavorful sauce.
- Question: How long does the sauce last in the refrigerator? Answer: Properly stored, the cooked spaghetti sauce will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Be sure to store it promptly in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth.
- Question: Can I add wine to this recipe? If so, when and how much? Answer: Yes, adding wine can enhance the flavor of the spaghetti sauce. After browning the meat and draining the grease, pour in about 1/2 to 1 cup of dry red wine (such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon) into the skillet. Bring the wine to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld together. Then, proceed with the recipe by adding the tomatoes and other ingredients.
