Spaghetti Sauce With Ground Beef

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for spaghetti sauce with ground beef:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooked spaghetti pasta

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the cup of water and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Season the Sauce:
   • Stir in the sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
5. Adjust Consistency:
   • If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
6. Serve:
   • Cook the spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well.
   • Serve the spaghetti topped with the meat sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Tips:

• Add Depth of Flavor: For extra depth, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
• Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti with ground beef sauce!