Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Savor the rich, juicy goodness of our Spaghetti Meat Sauce – a truly satisfying experience. Quick to whip up, it’s your go-to for hectic weeknights, plus it’s freezer-friendly for added convenience. This meat sauce encapsulates all the cozy flavors of classic Spaghetti and Meatballs or traditional Bolognese but without the fuss.

Top your spaghetti with a hearty helping of parmesan cheese, alongside asparagus and crusty French bread for a complete delight. Bonus tip: Transform it into the Best Lasagna for an extra culinary win.


Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 5
Author: Siddhanath Metkari



Tools for this recipe:

  1. Garlic Press
  2. Wire whisk
  3. a big pot
  4. Sharp knife
  5. bowl
  6. skillet
  7. kitchen tongs
  8. oven

Recipe Video:

Credit: All Wings Everything

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 carrot, grated
  5. 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  6. 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  7. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  8. 1/4 cup tomato paste
  9. 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for the chef’s personal enjoyment)
  10. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  11. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  12. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  13. 1 bay leaf
  14. Salt and pepper, to taste
  15. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  16. 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to sweeten the deal)

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Gang:

  1. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the carrot, and chop the celery.
  2. Imagine you’re hosting a veggie party; they’re all invited to the pot.

2. Sauté Soiree:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot—this is where the party begins.
  2. Sauté the onion till it’s as translucent as a ghost who just heard a hilarious joke. Add garlic; it’s the life of the party.

3. Beef Boogie:

  1. Introduce the ground beef to the groove.
  2. Brown it like it’s a superstar on the culinary dance floor. Cue the sizzling soundtrack!

4. Veggie Vibes:

  1. Invite carrot and celery to join the fun.
  2. Let them dance in the pot for 2-3 minutes, until they’re softer than your favorite pillow.

5. Wine Waltz (Optional):

  1. Pour in the red wine.
  2. Let it simmer, imagining it’s practicing its fancy moves. Evaporate, little wine, evaporate.

6. Tomato Tango:

  1. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  2. This trio is the salsa of the sauce—spicy, lively, and ready to tango.

7. Seasoning Shenanigans:

  1. Sprinkle oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spice it up like you’re adding secret ingredients to a magical potion. Toss in a bay leaf, the wizard’s wand.

8. Sweet Surprise:

  1. If things get too sour, sprinkle in some sugar.
  2. Sweeten the pot, just like you sweeten conversations with a great punchline.

9. Simmer Symphony:

  1. Lower the heat, let the sauce simmer.
  2. Allow it to cook for at least 30 minutes—a slow dance for the flavors. Stir occasionally, like you’re conducting a flavor orchestra.

10. Bay Leaf Exit:

  1. Remove the bay leaf before it starts thinking it’s the star of the show.
  2. It’s had its moment; time to bow out gracefully.

11. Taste Test Mambo:

  1. Give it a taste, do a little happy dance.
  2. Adjust the seasoning like a chef with rhythm.

12. Serve and Enjoy the Culinary Concerto:

  1. Ladle over pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil.
  2. Your masterpiece is ready to be devoured. Bravo, maestro.

Dive into a bowl of saucy goodness, and let the flavors dance on your taste buds. Happy cooking, culinary Rockstar.🍝🎉


Creative Reuse Ideas:

  1. Spaghetti Redux: Toss the sauce with fresh spaghetti for a quick and delicious meal.
  2. Sloppy Joe Twist: Use the sauce as a flavorful filling for sloppy joes.
  3. Pizza Perfection: Spread the sauce on pizza dough and top with your favorite ingredients for a homemade pizza.
  4. Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the sauce, top with cheese, and bake for a tasty stuffed dish.
  5. Meatball Marinade: Simmer meatballs in the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts for Spaghetti Meat Sauce:

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories300
Total Fat15g
– Saturated Fat5g
Cholesterol50mg
Sodium600mg
Total Carbohydrates20g
– Dietary Fiber5g
– Sugars10g
Protein20g

Health Benefits:

  1. Protein Powerhouse: Ground beef provides essential proteins for muscle health.
  2. Veggie Vitality: Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery bring a dose of vitamins and antioxidants to boost your immune system.
  3. Tomato Triumph: Packed with lycopene, tomatoes contribute to heart health and may lower the risk of certain cancers.
  4. Herb Magic: Oregano, basil, and thyme not only add flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  5. Olive Oil Goodness: Healthy fats in olive oil support cardiovascular health.
  6. Wine Wonder (Optional): Red wine, if chosen, can provide antioxidants and promote heart health in moderation.

Storage and Reuse, Reheat Instructions of Spaghetti Meat Sauce:

Storage Instructions:

  1. Allow the spaghetti meat sauce to cool completely before storing.
  2. Pop the sauce into a tight-sealing container or a handy resealable plastic bag.
  3. Let it chill in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
  4. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2-3 months.
  5. When reheating from frozen, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reuse Instructions:

  1. Spaghetti Redux: Reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti for a quick and satisfying meal.
  2. Sloppy Joe Twist: Use the sauce as a flavorful filling for sloppy joes.
  3. Pizza Perfection: Spread the sauce on pizza dough and top with your favorite ingredients for a homemade pizza.
  4. Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the sauce, top with cheese, and bake for a tasty stuffed dish.
  5. Meatball Marinade: Simmer meatballs in the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
  6. Soup Base: Dilute the sauce with broth to create a hearty tomato-based soup.

Reheat Instructions:

  1. On the Stove: – Place the desired amount of sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. – Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. – Heat until warmed through.
  2. In the Microwave: – Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe dish. – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly reheated.

Reviving the Leftovers:

Got some saucy remnants? Bring them to life with these imaginative suggestions:

  • Spaghetti Encore: Heat and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti for an encore performance.
  • Sloppy Joe Remix: Use it as a flavor-packed filling for sloppy joes.
  • Pizza Party: Spread it on pizza dough and let it steal the spotlight in your homemade pizza.
  • Stuffed Peppers Encore: Fill bell peppers with the sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a standing ovation-worthy dish.
  • Meatball Magic: Let it work its wonders as a marinade for simmering meatballs.
  • Soup Serenade: Dilute it with broth for a comforting tomato-based soup.

Feel free to get creative with these leftovers – after all, the kitchen is your culinary playground.

FAQ’s

Q. What’s the difference between spaghetti meat sauce and marinara?

Spaghetti meat sauce includes ground meat, like beef, pork, or turkey, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Marinara, on the other hand, is a simple tomato sauce with herbs and spices, usually without meat.

Q. Can I use a different type of meat for the sauce?

Yes, Ground beef is the most common, but you can easily swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. You can also mix meats like pork and beef for extra flavor.

Q. How long should I simmer spaghetti meat sauce?

For the best flavor, simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better—1 to 2 hours if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop.

Q. Can I make spaghetti meat sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely, In fact, spaghetti meat sauce often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Q. What seasonings should I use for spaghetti meat sauce?

Garlic, onion, oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes are classic choices. Feel free to experiment with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a splash of red wine for depth.

Q. What pasta is best for spaghetti meat sauce?

Traditional spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work just as well, especially if you prefer a pasta that can hold more sauce.

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Author

  • i love all recipee author siddhanath metkari

    I'm Siddhanath Metkari, the person behind i love all recipee I live in India with my family. Coming from a traditional Indian family, I learnt cooking good food from my Mom Chhaya Metkari & culinary experts in our extended families.

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