Description
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs simmered in a rich tomato base. This classic Italian-inspired dish is easy to make with pantry staples and perfect for pairing with pasta or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works well)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned. (Spoon off excess fat if desired.)
- Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Sprinkle in oregano and basil. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Partially cover and cook 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- Double the batch and freeze extra sauce for future meals.
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor .
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender before simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
