Growing up in a family that held every meal sacred, spaghetti with meat sauce was more than just food—it was a symbol of togetherness, love, and the simple joys of life.
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How to make Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a classic Italian-American dish made by combining cooked spaghetti pasta with a rich, savory meat-based tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 28 ounces (about 800 grams) of canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, but helps balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnishing)
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) spaghetti
- Salt, for the pasta water
Instructions:
- Begin With the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if desired.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and dried basil. Add the sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld together.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Bringing It All Together: Once the sauce has thickened and reduced, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Depending on your personal preference, you can toss the spaghetti directly with the sauce or serve it over the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with freshly torn basil leaves or chopped parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is also a delightful addition.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti with Meat Sauce:
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality canned tomatoes and a reputable brand of pasta. The quality of your meat also plays a critical role in the sauce’s flavor depth.
- Simmering Time: Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly is crucial for developing a rich, rounded flavor. If you have the time, a low and slow simmer for a couple of hours will only enhance the taste.
- Seasoning: Season the sauce in layers—salt the water for the pasta, season the meat as it browns, and adjust the salt and pepper after the sauce has simmered. This layering builds complexity in the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well within the sauce as it simmers, adding fresh basil or parsley at the end brings a vibrant, fresh element that really lifts the dish.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots, to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. They should be diced and added along with the onions.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a delightful Spaghetti with Meat Sauce can be adjusted to accommodate different dietary needs or just to use what you have available in your pantry.
Meat Substitutes:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a healthier, leaner option, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This will give you a lighter sauce but still with great flavor.
- Vegetarian Alternatives: If you’re aiming for a vegetarian sauce, consider using lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a plant-based ground meat substitute. These will offer a similar texture and protein content while keeping your dish meat-free.
- Mushrooms: For a rich, umami flavor in a vegetarian version, finely chopped mushrooms like cremini or portobello can work as a substitute. They mimic the texture of ground meat when sautéed.
Tomato Product Substitutes:
- Fresh Tomatoes: If you prefer fresh over canned, use ripe tomatoes, chopped and cooked down into a sauce. Keep in mind this may take longer and often requires additional seasoning.
- Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use the same amount of tomato sauce. Just note that it may be a bit thinner in consistency.
- Passata: This is a strained tomato puree that can also work without crushed tomatoes. It usually has a very smooth texture.
Herb Substitutes:
- Italian Seasoning: If you’re out of oregano and basil, Italian seasoning, which contains a blend of traditional Italian herbs, can replace both.
- Fresh Herbs: For a more intense flavor, fresh oregano and basil can be used in place of dried herbs. As a general rule, one tablespoon of fresh herbs equals about one teaspoon of dried herbs.
Final Thoughts
When substituting ingredients, keep in mind the original flavor profile and consistency of the dish you are aiming to achieve. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go to get that perfect Spaghetti with Meat Sauce that suits your palate and dietary needs!
