Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This homemade spaghetti sauce is a rich, flavorful, and hearty sauce made from scratch. Packed with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, green peppers, and a blend of Italian spices, it’s perfect for pasta nights, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a comforting meal. Easy to prepare, it simmers to perfection, giving you a sauce that tastes fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ tsp oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (12 oz) tomato sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add ground beef, onions, garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Remove bay leaf before serving.
• Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta.
• Use as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or stuffed peppers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with extra mushrooms, lentils, or zucchini for protein.
• Spicy Version: Add ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Wine-Infused: Add ½ cup red wine while simmering for a richer flavor.
• Fresh Herb Twist: Add chopped fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for extra aroma and depth.
• Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamy version.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, it works well for a leaner sauce.
2. How long can I simmer the sauce? 1 hour is sufficient, but up to 2 hours will enhance flavors.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day.
4. Can I freeze this sauce? Yes, in portions for up to 3 months.
5. Do I have to add sugar? Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes but is optional.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes? Yes, but adjust cooking time to soften them.
7. Is this sauce gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
8. Can I add other vegetables? Zucchini, carrots, or spinach work well.
9. How do I thicken the sauce? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid.
10. Can I use this sauce for pizza? Yes, it works as a pizza sauce base.

This homemade spaghetti sauce is a classic and versatile recipe that brings the taste of Italian cooking to your table. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, or baked dishes, it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick, delicious meals anytime.

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