Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor! Made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, this sauce is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even pizza. It’s easy to make, simmered to perfection, and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce:
- 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 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (12 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper, and sauté until the onions are soft.
- Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Add Vegetables & Seasoning
- Stir in mushrooms, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Incorporate the Tomato Base
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Mix well to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer to Perfection
- Add salt, pepper, and sugar, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust & Serve
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra depth, add ½ cup of red wine while simmering.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding more mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Pairs well with spaghetti, lasagna, meatballs, or as a pizza sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired