Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef: A Hearty Family Recipe

Making a rich, meaty spaghetti sauce from scratch might sound like a challenge, but this tried-and-true recipe proves otherwise. This spaghetti sauce with ground beef is flavorful, easy to prepare, and ready in just over an hour. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this sauce is loaded with delicious ingredients that meld together beautifully during a slow simmer. Let’s dive into how you can make this classic dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 1 onion, peeled and chopped

• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 pound of ground beef

• 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes

• 1 (16-ounce) can of tomato sauce

• 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons of dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons of dried basil

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• ½ teaspoon of black pepper

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepping the Vegetables

Start by preparing your fresh ingredients. Peel and chop the onion into small, uniform pieces. Next, peel and mince four cloves of garlic. This ensures an even distribution of the rich garlic flavor throughout the sauce. Finally, seed and dice a small green bell pepper. These ingredients will add layers of flavor and texture to the sauce.

2. Browning the Beef

Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the pound of ground beef and break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula. Once the meat begins to brown, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables have softened. This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease to prevent an overly oily sauce.

3. Adding the Tomatoes and Sauce

With the beef mixture cooked and ready, it’s time to introduce the rich tomato base. Pour in the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, followed by the 16-ounce can of tomato sauce and the 6-ounce can of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a thick, hearty mixture.

4. Seasoning the Sauce

Spices are what elevate a simple tomato sauce into something truly special. Add in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 2 teaspoons of dried basil to infuse the sauce with an herby aroma. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for balanced seasoning. If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

5. Simmering for Deep Flavor

Once everything is mixed together, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for about an hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and deepens the overall flavor of the sauce.

6. Serving and Storing

When the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta and top it with grated Parmesan cheese. If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—this spaghetti sauce freezes well! making a large batch and freezing portions for future meals is a great time-saver.

Final Thoughts

This homemade spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a foolproof recipe that delivers a robust and comforting dish every time. Whether you’re making a simple weeknight dinner or preparing a hearty meal for a gathering, this sauce is sure to impress. Enjoy it fresh, or freeze a portion for a quick and easy meal later on. Happy cooking!