Spaghetti Meat Sauce – Page 2

Follow these simple steps to create a rich, flavorful sauce that will impress even the toughest critics.

Heat the Olive Oil: In an extra-large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil is the foundation of the sauce, so heating it properly ensures it will blend well with the vegetables and meat.
Add the Diced Vegetables: Once the oil is heated, add the diced onions and diced green pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the onions and peppers.
Cook the Garlic: Add 5 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly browned. This step is crucial for building the sauce’s flavor base, as garlic provides an aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Add the Ground Chuck: After the vegetables have softened and the garlic is browned, add 2 lbs of ground chuck to the skillet. Cook the beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the Grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, carefully drain off any excess grease. Removing the grease ensures that your sauce isn’t too oily and helps maintain a rich, tomato-forward flavor.

Season the Beef: After draining the grease, stir in the spices to coat the browned meat. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoons minced parsley, 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Stir the Seasonings: Mix the seasonings thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This step locks in the rich, aromatic flavors of the garlic, basil, and oregano.

Add the Canned Tomatoes: Next, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the seasoned meat mixture. The diced tomatoes will add texture, while the crushed tomatoes create the base for the sauce.
Add the Tomato Sauce: Finally, add 2 cans of tomato sauce to the skillet. The tomato sauce will thicken the mixture and bring all the flavors together.

Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and robust taste.

Boil the Pasta: While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package directions (usually about 7 to 8 minutes for al dente).
Add Olive Oil to the Pasta Water: To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water.
Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain the water and set the spaghetti aside.

Add the Sauce to the Pasta: Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, ladle the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the rich, flavorful sauce.
Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, you can garnish your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!