Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef Recipe

Ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the sauce.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic quality to the sauce.

Tomato sauce: Forms the bulk of the sauce, giving it a smooth texture.

Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor.

Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.

Oregano: A dried herb that adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor.

Basil: A dried herb that brings a sweet, aromatic note.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Water: Helps to thin the sauce to the desired consistency.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures even cooking and helps the meat to incorporate better with the sauce. Additionally, allowing the onion and garlic to cook until they are fully translucent will enhance their sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a more robust spaghetti sauce.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based protein alternative and absorb the flavors of the sauce well.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a more delicate taste and can add a subtle depth to the sauce.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used when fresh garlic is not available, though it has a slightly different intensity.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor when minced finely.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and rich tomato flavor.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with passata: Passata is a smooth tomato puree that can replace tomato sauce effectively.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be chopped and used in place of canned diced tomatoes for a fresher taste.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato puree: Tomato puree can be used if you prefer a smoother texture in your sauce.

• tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste adds a richer, more intense tomato flavor.

• tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used in a pinch, though it will add a bit of sweetness to the sauce.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano can be used for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning contains oregano along with other herbs that complement the sauce.

• dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to dried basil.

• dried basil - Substitute with thyme: Thyme provides a slightly different but complementary herbal note to the sauce.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add umami and saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for table salt, offering a slightly different mineral profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness to the sauce.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor compared to plain water.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a richer flavor, especially in vegetarian versions.

• Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture and flavor.

• Transfer the sauce into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For easy portioning, consider using smaller containers or dividing the sauce into meal-sized portions.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored and ensures you use the oldest batches first.

• If using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer. This not only saves space but also allows the sauce to freeze and thaw more evenly.

• Store the spaghetti sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is the best option.

• For freezing, the sauce can be stored for up to 3 months. Beyond this period, the quality may start to degrade, although it will still be safe to eat.

• When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave or place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water.

• Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.

• Enjoy your spaghetti sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti or use it as a base for other delicious dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Place the leftover spaghetti sauce with ground beef in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to thin it out if it has thickened.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Once the sauce is heated through and bubbling gently, it's ready to serve.

• Microwave Method

  1. Transfer the spaghetti sauce with ground beef to a microwave-safe container.
  2. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce is hot throughout.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the spaghetti sauce with ground beef in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method

  1. Transfer the spaghetti sauce with ground beef to your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Allow the sauce to reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

• Double Boiler Method

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the spaghetti sauce with ground beef in the top pot.
  3. Stir occasionally until the sauce is heated through, ensuring it doesn't scorch.

• Large pot: Used for cooking the ground beef and simmering the sauce.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook.

• Knife: Necessary for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Can opener: Required to open the cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring cup: Needed to measure the water.

• Colander: Useful for draining any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

• Stove: The primary heat source for cooking the sauce.

• Spaghetti pot: Used for boiling and cooking the spaghetti to serve with the sauce.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made sauce: Substitute homemade tomato sauce with a high-quality store-bought version.

Cook in bulk: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Simmer in a slow cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to brown the ground beef and cook the sauce under pressure for 15 minutes.