Crafted with care, Artisanal Spaghetti with Savory Meat Sauce embodies the essence of homemade comfort, blending the richness of ground beef and vegetables with the sweet tang of tomatoes. Bid farewell to store-bought sauces; this recipe will redefine your spaghetti experience!
I have an undying affection for a wholesome bowl of spaghetti, especially one crafted from memory rather than precise measurements. This recipe, a product of intuition and tradition, delivers a culinary delight that’s bound to please every palate.
Crafting the sauce from scratch is a simple yet immensely gratifying endeavor. Plus, involving the kids in the process fosters a love for cooking from an early age, laying the foundation for future culinary adventures.
How to Make Artisanal Spaghetti
The beauty of this spaghetti sauce recipe lies in its simplicity. Start by combining the following ingredients in a medium-sized bowl:
- Ground Beef
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic
- Green Bell Pepper
- Salt & Pepper
Mix the ingredients thoroughly using a fork or your hands. Then, transfer the mixture to a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the pan isn’t too hot, allowing the onions, garlic, and peppers to sauté gently. Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like mushrooms or jalapeno peppers at this stage.
Creating the Spaghetti Sauce
The subsequent steps involve a handful of basic ingredients, offering ample room for personalization and creativity. Begin by adding:
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for roughly chopped tomatoes for a hearty texture. If using canned tomatoes, diced or crushed varieties are ideal. Consider seasoned options, but adjust additional seasoning accordingly.
- Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste: These components lend depth and thickness to the sauce. Adjust the quantities based on your preferred consistency.
- Seasonings: Oregano and basil form the foundation of flavor, but feel free to adjust to taste. For a spicy kick, incorporate crushed red pepper or cayenne. Enhance the garlic notes with garlic powder, and balance the acidity with a touch of sugar.
Unlocking the Essence of the Best Spaghetti Sauce
For optimal flavor development, allow the sauce to simmer. Even a brief simmering period of 20-30 minutes yields significant improvements, though an hour yields the best results. Some culinary enthusiasts even opt for a two-day preparation, resulting in unparalleled depth of flavor and aroma.
Freezing Artisanal Spaghetti Sauce
Prepare a large batch of homemade spaghetti sauce and freeze it for future use. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing excess air to ensure even freezing. Label the bag with the date and consume within 3-4 months. To reheat, immerse the sealed bag in hot water until heated through, then transfer to a pot and simmer briefly to remove excess moisture.
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces / 454 grams) spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large saucepan, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, onion, and green pepper. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook for one minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Season with oregano, basil, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
