Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef Recipe

Ground beef: Provides a hearty and rich flavor to the sauce.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

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

Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor.

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

Dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.

Dried oregano: Contributes a warm, aromatic, and slightly bitter taste.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the sauce.

When browning the ground beef, ensure you break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This allows for more even cooking and better texture in the final spaghetti sauce. Additionally, after draining the excess fat, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or beef broth before adding the onion and garlic. This step will lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in your 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 flavors well, making them a great meat substitute.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can add a different depth to the sauce.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it is less pungent and more convenient.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a thicker consistency and a robust tomato flavor.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with passata: Passata is a smooth, sieved tomato puree that provides a rich and consistent tomato base.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be chopped and used to provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with fire-roasted tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.

• tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste offers a more intense and concentrated 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 basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried basil.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a different herbal note that complements tomato-based sauces well.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano but is slightly milder and sweeter.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning contains oregano along with other herbs, providing a balanced flavor.

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

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

• 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.

• Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery sauce.

• Transfer the cooled sauce into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using containers, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.

• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored.

• For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The spaghetti sauce will keep well for up to 4 days.

• For long-term storage, place the containers or bags in the freezer. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and quality.

• When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.

• Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.

• If you plan to freeze individual portions, consider using a muffin tin to freeze the sauce in smaller, manageable portions. Once frozen, transfer the sauce portions to a freezer bag for easy storage and access.

• To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid refreezing the sauce once it has been thawed. Only thaw the amount you plan to use.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover spaghetti sauce with ground beef in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
  4. Once the sauce is heated through and simmering 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 for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute 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. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and heated through.
  5. Stir the sauce halfway through the baking time for even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Pour the leftover spaghetti sauce with ground beef into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the sauce is thoroughly heated, it's ready to serve.

• 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 to ensure even heating.
  4. Heat until the sauce is hot throughout, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the ground beef and simmering the sauce. It provides enough space to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot. It helps in evenly mixing the sauce.

• Knife: A knife is necessary for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. A sharp knife ensures precise and efficient cutting.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Can opener: A can opener is needed to open the cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Colander: A colander is useful for draining the excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

• Spatula: A spatula can be used to scrape down the sides of the pot and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Stove: The stove is necessary for providing the heat to cook the ground beef and simmer the sauce.

• Serving spoon: A serving spoon is used to serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic in advance to save time during cooking.

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

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Simmer while multitasking: Let the sauce simmer while you prepare other parts of the meal or clean up.

Pre-cook ground beef: Cook and freeze ground beef in portions for quick use in future recipes.