Name: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the sauce.; 1 ½ lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein.; 1 medium onion, chopped: For a sweet, aromatic base.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a subtle kick.; 1 green pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy depth to the sauce.; 1 bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with subtle herbal notes.; ¼ tsp oregano: Classic Italian herb for robust flavor.; 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of essential herbs for authentic taste.; 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor.; 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Forms the sauce’s hearty base.; 1 tomato sauce (12 oz): Adds smoothness and depth.; ½ tsp salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.; ¼ tsp pepper: Provides a mild heat.; 1 tbsp sugar: Balances acidity in the tomatoes.; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Optional garnish for freshness.

Description

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful blend of lean ground beef, fresh veggies, and a perfectly spiced tomato base. It’s your ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the sauce.
1 ½ lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein.
1 medium onion, chopped: For a sweet, aromatic base.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a subtle kick.
1 green pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy depth to the sauce.
1 bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with subtle herbal notes.
¼ tsp oregano: Classic Italian herb for robust flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of essential herbs for authentic taste.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor.
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Forms the sauce’s hearty base.
1 tomato sauce (12 oz): Adds smoothness and depth.
½ tsp salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.
¼ tsp pepper: Provides a mild heat.
1 tbsp sugar: Balances acidity in the tomatoes.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Optional garnish for freshness.

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Instructions

Cook the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened (about 10 minutes).
Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Pair the sauce with cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables.
This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: ~250
Sugar: ~6g
Sodium: ~520mg
Fat: ~10g
Saturated Fat: ~3g
Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fiber: ~3g
Protein: ~22g
Cholesterol: ~60mg