Description
This classic Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, garlic, and a rich tomato base seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, the sauce simmers to develop a thick, savory texture that complements your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
Vegetables and Tomatoes
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Spices and Tomatoes: Measure out all spices and sugar, then open your canned tomatoes and set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks until browned and no longer pink. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease to keep some flavor without excess fat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn as this will impart bitterness.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in both cans of crushed and diced tomatoes, then stir in sugar, salt, oregano, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper evenly throughout the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture up to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together nicely.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper in small increments to achieve the perfect balance of flavor before serving.
Notes
- Adding sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother, richer sauce.
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Drain most of the beef grease but keep 2 tablespoons for a savory depth in the sauce.
- Simmer gently to thicken the sauce without drying it out.
