Name: Spaghetti Sauce Recipe: Rich and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Spaghetti Sauce:; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef or sausage; 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp basil; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp sugar (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup red wine (optional); Optional: Basil (parsley); Suggested Pairings: Spaghetti (red wine)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Spaghetti Sauce is a timeless staple, perfect for cozy pasta nights, family gatherings, or easy meal prep. It’s rich, savory blend of tomatoes, herbs, and ground meat creates a hearty, comforting topping for spaghetti or other pastas. Served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, this Spaghetti Sauce offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a classic spaghetti sauce that is adaptable for dietary preferences and best served hot for a satisfying, Italian-inspired experience.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or half beef/half sausage)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup red wine (optional, for depth)

For Serving:

Optional: Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Suggested Accompaniments: Cooked spaghetti, garlic bread, Caesar salad
Suggested Pairings: Red wine, iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large saucepan or Dutch oven, wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Process

Cook Meat: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef (or sausage), breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in the pan.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Add red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Transfer the sauce to a white ceramic bowl. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot overcooked spaghetti with garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine, or iced tea.

Tips for Better Spaghetti Sauce

Use a mix of beef and sausage for deeper flavor; lean beef reduces grease.
Cook onions until soft to avoid crunchiness in the sauce.
Simmer longer (up to 1 hour) for richer flavor; add water if it thickens too much.
Taste before serving; adjust salt, sugar, or herbs to balance acidity or flavor.
Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste; San Marzano is ideal.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch more sugar or a small carrot while simmering.
Enhance aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl, sprinkle with fresh herbs for a vibrant look.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce: Omit meat, add 1 cup diced mushrooms, and 1 diced zucchini, sautéed with onions.
Vegan Spaghetti Sauce: Use plant-based meat crumbles or extra veggies, omit wine, or use vegan wine.
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce: Ensure all ingredients (e.g., tomato paste) are gluten-free; serve with gluten-free pasta.
Spicy Spaghetti Sauce: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add 1/2 tsp cayenne.
Low-Sodium Spaghetti Sauce: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp and use low-sodium tomato products.
Meatless Marinara: Skip meat, reduce simmer time to 15 minutes for a lighter sauce.
Creamy Spaghetti Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 tbsp cream cheese at the end.
Herbed Spaghetti Sauce: Add 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or 2 tbsp fresh parsley to the sauce.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Freeze in an airtight container for 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain texture.
Serve hot for the best flavor; cold sauce may thicken.
Use leftovers in lasagna, pizza topping, or as a dip for breadsticks.
Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Pair with starchy pasta to soak up the sauce’s richness.
Presented in a white ceramic bowl with fresh herbs for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (3/4 cup sauce, without pasta):

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. Moderate in sodium and fat; try vegetarian or low-sodium versions. Serve with veggies for balance.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti Sauce recipe offers a rich, flavorful dish perfect for any pasta night. It transforms simple ingredients into an Italian-inspired classic. Its easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The hearty sauce and fresh garnishes delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its comforting appeal.