Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

 Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef 🍝✨

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• ½ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup red wine (for richness)
• 1 bay leaf (for extra flavor)
• ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (5-7 minutes).
• Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings:

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
• Add water, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
• Stir well to combine.

3. Simmer for Maximum Flavor:

• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
• Cover and let simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• If using, add red wine and bay leaf in the first 10 minutes.
• Remove bay leaf before serving.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
• Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or extra red pepper flakes.

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Pro Tips:

✔ For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for up to 1 hour.
✔ Want a chunkier sauce? Add diced tomatoes instead of crushed.
✔ Need a smoother sauce? Blend it slightly before serving.

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Perfect Pairings:

🥖 Garlic Bread – For dipping!
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
🍷 Red Wine – Pairs beautifully with the flavors.

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