Hearty & Homestyle Spaghetti Sauce (Better Than Jarred!)
Ditch the jar! This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a total winner. Packed with flavour and so easy, even Delia would approve. Try my best meat sauce spaghetti tonight!
Alright, let's get stuck in! ever wondered why jarred sauce just doesn't cut it? we are going to dive into a spaghetti sauce recipe that will blow your mind.
This sauce spaghetti is so good, you'll never buy store-bought again.
Why This Sauce is Boss
This homemade meat sauce isn't just food. it's a hug in a bowl. think nonna's kitchen, but without the guilt trip.
It's loosely based on the classic italian-american style, comfort food to the max. it's easy peasy and takes about an hour and a half, start to finish.
This recipe makes about six servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Health and Happiness in One Pot
Honestly, the best thing about this sauce? besides tasting amazing, of course. is that it's packed with good stuff! it's got protein from the beef and vitamins from the tomatoes.
Plus, cooking it yourself means you control the ingredients. serve this best spaghetti meat sauce up on a sunday arvo, and you'll be the hero of the house.
This meat sauce for spaghetti is just proper lush.
Right, let's get down to the ingredients. you'll need a few bits and bobs. two tablespoons of olive oil, one large onion, two cloves of garlic, a pound of ground beef, and a bunch of dried herbs.
Oregano, basil, the usual suspects. you'll also need a tin of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, a bit of sugar, and some water.
It’s really all about that all day spaghetti sauce recipe .
This spaghetti beef recipe is a winner, trust me. it is the best meat sauce spaghetti ! i’ve tried loads of versions, and this one is just spot on.
So, chuck on your apron and let's get cooking!
Right, let's talk about what you need to make this Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce happen. Don't worry, it's not loads of faff!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
Look, nobody wants a sauce that tastes like outta the jar. This recipe? It's proper homemade .
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Alright, here's what you'll need, measurements and all.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Go for extra virgin. It gives a nicer flavour.
- Onion: 1 large, yellow. Finely chopped. Honestly, don't skimp on the chopping.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred stuff? Nah, fresh is best.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . I reckon 80/20 blend. That bit of fat gives a good flavour.
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried. Fresh is great, but dried works just fine.
- Basil: 1/2 teaspoon dried. Again, dried is fine.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). If you like a bit of a kick.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . San Marzano if you're feeling fancy.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce/170g) can . That's the secret ingredient.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon . Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Water: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, innit?
- Fresh Basil: For garnish. Makes it look proper posh.
For the ground beef, quality is key. Look for a nice bright red colour. Don't want grey meat! That's just nasty.
Seasoning: The Flavour Boost
This isn't just chucking stuff in. these essential spice combinations are what makes your meat sauce for spaghetti sing. the oregano and basil are a classic combo for a reason.
Red pepper flakes? that's flavour enhancers and aromatics , for sure! if you ain't got basil, marjoram works in a pinch as quick substitution options .
Equipment You'll Need
Honestly, nothing too fancy. This ain't Masterchef!
- Large Dutch Oven or Pot: Essential . Gotta have something to cook it in.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring. I prefer a wooden spoon.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvious, really.
- Can Opener: Unless you're Bear Grylls, you'll need one.
No Dutch oven? A large, heavy-bottomed pot will do. If you're posh, you can use one Le Creuset. I've had mine for donkeys years.
Making this homemade meat sauce is dead easy. trust me. even i can do it, and i sometimes burn toast.
I reckon, this all day spaghetti sauce recipe is a total game changer!
Right then, let's talk about the star of many a midweek meal: a proper spaghetti sauce recipe . honestly, ditch the jarred stuff.
You know? making it yourself is easier than you think. and the flavour? oh my gosh, miles better. this homemade meat sauce will become your new go-to.
I promise you!
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: The Prep
First things first, the mise en place . sounds fancy, doesn't it? it just means getting everything ready. chop your onion nice and fine.
Mince your garlic – none of that pre-chopped stuff! have your ground beef ready. get your herbs and tomatoes out.
You want to grab the 2 tablespoons of olive oil , the 1 large yellow onion , 2 cloves of garlic , 1 pound (450g) ground beef , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon dried basil , 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes , 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce , 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste , 1 teaspoon granulated sugar , and 1/2 cup (120ml) water .
Time-saving tip: Chop the onion and garlic while the pan heats up. Gets it out of the way!
From Hob to Heaven: The Sauce Process
Right, here's how we turn simple ingredients into a fantastic Meat Sauce For Spaghetti :
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Chuck in the onion and cook until soft (around 5 minutes ).
- Add the garlic, cook until you can smell it – about 1 minute . Mmm, that's the stuff!
- Crumble in your 1 pound (450g) ground beef . Brown it all over. Drain off any excess fat. No one likes a greasy All Day Spaghetti Sauce Recipe !
- Stir in the oregano , basil , and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave).
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes , tomato sauce , tomato paste , sugar , and water . Give it all a good stir.
- Bring it to a simmer, then turn the heat right down low. Cover it, and leave it to bubble away for at least 1 hour 30 minutes . Honestly, the longer the better. Aim for 3 hours if you can. That is the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce , and Best Meat Sauce Spaghetti secret.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Pro Tips for Proper Sauce
- Low and slow is the way to go. Don't rush the simmering process. It really develops the best spaghetti sauce flavor. This spaghetti beef recipe is forgiving, but not if you blast it with heat!
- Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning throughout. This isn't a one-size-fits-all sauce spaghetti ! Add a pinch of sugar if it's too acidic. You know your taste.
And that's your spaghetti sauce recipe meat sorted! i have used this all day spaghetti sauce recipe for ages and it is so good! enjoy your homemade meat sauce , you deserve it! i hope i've cleared it up for you.
Recipe Notes for the Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Right then, let's talk about the nitty-gritty bits of my spaghetti sauce recipe . Honestly, even the best meat sauce for spaghetti has room for a bit of tweaking, you know? This isn't just a spaghetti sauce recipe meat though, it's an adventure!
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Fancy a bit of posh? plate your spaghetti like a pro. twirl it into a nest, spoon over the homemade meat sauce , and chuck on a basil leaf.
Done! garlic bread is a must, obviously. a crisp green salad cuts through the richness nicely. i once served it with focaccia, toasted, with some parmesan, so great!
Storage Secrets
Leftovers? lucky you! pop that sauce spaghetti in an airtight container. three days in the fridge, tops. freezing? absolutely. it lasts for a good three months.
Reheat gently on the hob, adding a splash of water if it's too thick. one time i forgot all about my frozen sauce.
When i remembered it, i let it defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheated on the stove over medium heat.
Variations to Keep Things Interesting
Need a veggie option? swap the beef for lentils. sorted! watching the carbs? serve it over courgette noodles. it's that simple! you could even try adding some finely diced veggies like carrots and celery for an extra layer of flavour, especially if you're aiming for that all day spaghetti sauce recipe vibe.
Nutrition Nutshell
Okay, deep breath. roughly, each serving clocks in at about 350 calories. you are getting a good hit of protein, about 25g, which is brill.
Just keep an eye on the salt levels, yeah? a healthy body will be great for you.
I tell you what, making this best spaghetti sauce from scratch is so worth it. this spaghetti beef recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl.
You can really taste the difference, honest to god. get stuck in and have a go at the best meat sauce spaghetti ! you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I really simmer my spaghetti sauce recipe for the best flavour? Is this 'one hour thirty minutes' enough, or should I leave it all day like my nan used to?
While the recipe suggests a minimum of 1 hour 30 minutes, simmering your spaghetti sauce for longer, even up to 3 hours, will significantly deepen the flavour. Just like your nan's famous Sunday roast, the longer, the better. Keep an eye on the liquid and add a splash of water if it gets too thick. A slow simmer allows all those lovely flavours to meld together beautifully.
Can I make this spaghetti sauce recipe vegetarian, and what's a good substitute for the meat that won't just be bland?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef. To add some lovely umami, try finely dicing mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers and sautéing them with the onions and garlic at the start. You can also add a tin of drained and rinsed lentils for a boost of protein and texture. Alternatively, try using vegetarian mince, readily available in most supermarkets, for a closer ground beef likeness.
My spaghetti sauce always tastes a bit acidic. What can I do to balance the flavour?
A touch of sweetness can really mellow out that acidity. The recipe already includes a teaspoon of sugar, but you can add a little more to taste. Another trick is to add a small knob of butter or a splash of cream (if you're feeling decadent) towards the end of cooking. These additions provide richness and help to balance the overall flavour profile, similar to how a dash of cream can smooth out a sharp cup of tea.
How can I store leftover spaghetti sauce and how long will it last? My kids never seem to eat a whole batch!
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Divide the sauce into portion-sized containers or freezer bags for easy thawing and reheating. It's a great way to have a quick and tasty meal ready whenever you fancy it, like having a ready meal without all the additives!
Is it possible to make this spaghetti sauce recipe in a slow cooker? If so, how would I adapt the instructions?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker really intensifies the flavours, creating an even richer sauce, perfect for those long winter evenings.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned in this spaghetti sauce recipe? What changes do I need to make?
You can absolutely use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then peel and chop them. You may also want to remove some of the excess seeds and liquid. Since fresh tomatoes have higher water content than canned, you might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavour, a bit like making a proper jam.
Hearty & Homestyle Spaghetti Sauce (Better Than Jarred!) Recipe Card
