Imagine a spaghetti sauce so rich, so deeply flavored, that it tastes like it's been simmering all day - but you can have it ready in just two hours! This isn't your average pasta sauce; this is a game-changing recipe that will transform your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you'll create a sauce that will have your family begging for seconds and asking, "Where did you learn to cook like this?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- After the beef is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the oregano and basil to the sauce, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 2 hours, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite cooked spaghetti. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade two-hour spaghetti sauce with family and friends!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your tomatoes, herbs, and beef will directly impact the sauce's flavor.
- Low and slow is the key: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The two-hour simmer allows flavors to develop and intensify.
- Stir occasionally: Prevent sticking and ensure even cooking by stirring the sauce every 20-30 minutes.
- Don't be afraid to adjust: Taste and season as you go. Every batch of sauce might need slightly different seasoning.
- Make extra and freeze: This sauce freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch for future quick meals.
- Choose the right ground beef: A mix of lean and slightly fatty ground beef (80/20) provides the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 257kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
