Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh herbs and high-quality meats, making every bite burst with flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: With simple steps, even beginner cooks can whip this up with confidence.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and nutrients from tomatoes and herbs, this sauce offers a wholesome meal.
- Versatility: Serve it over spaghetti, use it in lasagna, or as a base for pizza—your options are endless!
- Presentation: With vibrant colors and aromatic herbs, this dish can impress guests at any gathering.
Overall, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
(Note: Times may vary.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.
- Once the meat is completely browned and no longer pink, remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of grease, keeping those delicious meat flavors behind.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, typically about 5 minutes. This builds a flavor foundation for the sauce.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aromatic blend of onion and garlic.
- Return the browned meat to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two. This step helps to intensify the tomato flavor.
- Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand as you add them to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles until they reach the perfect al dente texture.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve the spaghetti topped with a generous ladle of sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Accompaniments: Pair with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Portions: A pound of spaghetti usually serves about 4-6 people, making it great for family dinners.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a nice glass of red wine for an extra touch of sophistication.
You’ll love how delicious and inviting this meal looks and tastes!
Additional Tips
- Enhance flavor by adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- Customize the sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Serve with extra herbs and cheese on the table for guests to add to their plate.
Recipe Variations
- Veggie Lovers: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition and taste.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes for an extra spicy version.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream just before serving for a rich and creamy sauce.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Pasta pot with a colander
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef and herbs, but fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor.
- Is this recipe healthy? Yes, it’s packed with protein and nutrients from meat and tomatoes, plus you can add your favorite vegetables.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
- How can I customize the flavors? Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste, or add more vegetables to the sauce.
- What other cooking methods can I use? You can also make this sauce in a slow cooker for a deep, rich flavor or use an Instant Pot for a quicker option.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce is not only easy to make, but it also bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will please everyone at the table. Don’t wait to give it a try; you’ll want to share this delightful recipe with your loved ones!
Spaghetti Sauce
A flavorful spaghetti sauce made with fresh ingredients, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart as it browns.
- Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon and drain all but 1 tablespoon of grease.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Return the browned meat to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two.
- Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand and add them to the pot, along with tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Just before serving, stir in fresh parsley and basil and adjust seasoning if needed.
- While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
Notes
Enhance flavor with a splash of red wine. Customize the sauce by adding vegetables. Serve with extra herbs and cheese.
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