SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH GROUND BEEF
Rich, meaty, authentic Italian flavors. Betterthan jar sauce! Family favorite. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes or another crushed
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar to taste
- 1 tablespoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter optional, for richness
For Serving:
- 1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic bread
Instructions
- . Brown beef in oil 8-10 min. Transfer to plate.
- Sauté onion 5-7 min. Add garlic 1 min.
- Add tomato paste. Cook 2-3 min stirring constantly until dark.
- Add all tomatoes, broth, beef back in. Stir well.
- Add herbs, bay leaves, sugar, salt, pepper. Bring to boil.
- Simmer LOW uncovered 30-45 min. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves. Serve over pasta!
Notes
- TOMATO PASTE STEP: Cook 2-3 min! Creates 50% of flavor.
- Sugar essential: Balances acidity. Not optional!
- Simmer 30+ min: Flavors need time to meld. Low heat!
- Better next day: Freezes 3-4 months perfectly. Meal prep champion!