Homemade Spaghetti Sauce – Who made this ? -Will be the question of the day
Fellas, if you’re whipping up some pasta while catching the game, skip the jarred sauce and make your own! Trust me, this homemade spaghetti sauce is rich, beefy, and packed with flavor. All you need is about an hour and a few simple ingredients. You’ll have a sauce that’s perfect for both casual dinners or impressing your buddies during halftime. Ready to cook? Let’s go!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- ½ tsp. dried basil (optional)
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- 3 tsp. kosher salt (divided)
- 1 tsp. black pepper (divided)
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start the Flavor
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Throw in the chopped onion, garlic, dried basil (if you like), oregano, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper. Stir occasionally until the onions turn soft and golden (about 7 minutes).
Step 2: Add the Beef
- Crank up the heat to medium-high and toss in the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it cook until it starts to brown (around 8 minutes). Don’t forget to season with another 1 tsp. of salt and ½ tsp. of pepper.
Step 3: Get the Tomatoes In
- Time to crush those tomatoes! Pour the canned tomatoes into a large bowl and crush them with your hands. Tip: wear an apron – it could get messy.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and all the juices into the pan with the beef. Now here’s the secret move – throw in that Parmesan rind. It’ll make the sauce richer without you having to do anything fancy. Simmer everything over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens. Before you forget, remove the Parmesan rind.
Step 4: Final Touch
- Stir in the fresh basil, butter, and the last tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until the butter melts and the sauce looks nice and glossy. Now, give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Quick Notes for the Sauce Master
- Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes for the best flavor. Crushing them by hand gives you a perfect texture.
- Parmesan Rind: Don’t skip this step! It adds a depth of flavor that’ll have your friends asking for seconds.
- Butter: Adding a small pat of butter at the end makes the sauce smooth and irresistible.
Pro Tips:
- Keep the sauce on a low simmer until it thickens—if it’s too runny, it’ll slide off your pasta like a bad play.
- Save the leftovers! This sauce freezes well, so make extra for next week’s game.
With this homemade spaghetti sauce in your arsenal, you’ll never reach for jarred sauce again. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to make you the MVP of game day meals.