Introduction:
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that brings classic Italian flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Made with ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and a blend of tomatoes and seasonings, this sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- ¼ cup red wine (water can be substituted)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Directions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, until translucent with a bit of golden color.
- Brown Beef: Push onions to the side of the pot and add ground beef. Let it sear for a couple of minutes on each side, then break it apart with a spoon to brown all over.
- Deglaze and Add Garlic: Deglaze the pot with red wine (or water), allowing the liquid to cook off. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in petite diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the sauce over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. For a more flavorful dish, mix the sauce into the pasta to let the noodles soak up some of the sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Meat: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Wine: If avoiding alcohol, use beef broth or water instead of red wine.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
10 FAQs
- Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomato sauce, but it may alter the texture slightly. - Is it necessary to use red wine?
No, red wine can be substituted with beef broth or water if preferred. - Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. - How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - What can I use if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
A heavy-bottomed pot or any large saucepan will work. - How long should I simmer the sauce?
Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until the flavors meld together. - Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots. - How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer time to reduce and thicken. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 6-8 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped, in place of the canned tomatoes. - How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef should be browned all over and no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a quick and satisfying dish that brings classic Italian flavors to your table. With minimal prep and cook time, this sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious family meal. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of a homemade spaghetti sauce.
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a quick and flavorful sauce that transforms your spaghetti into a delicious meal. Made with ground beef, rich tomatoes, and a hint of red wine, this sauce is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- ¼ cup red wine (water can be substituted)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, until translucent with a bit of golden color.
- Brown Beef: Push onions to the side of the pot and add ground beef. Let it sear for a couple of minutes on each side, then break it apart with a spoon to brown all over.
- Deglaze and Add Garlic: Deglaze the pot with red wine (or water), allowing the liquid to cook off. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in petite diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the sauce over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. For a more flavorful dish, mix the sauce into the pasta to let the noodles soak up some of the sauce.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer for a longer time.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using different brands of tomatoes or if substituting ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 771mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg