This Hearty Rustic Spaghetti Sauce is your new best friend for cozy dinners at home. Rich with tomatoes and a hint of red wine, it’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out. Let's dive into making a sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The backbone of our sauce is the ground beef, providing hearty texture and flavor. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth, while crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a robust base. A bit of beef broth and red wine enhance the sauce's richness. The olive oil helps sauté our aromatics to perfection. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Basil and oregano infuse it with classic Italian flavors, while crushed red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat. Finally, finish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for freshness and umami.
This sauce pairs beautifully with al dente spaghetti, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Consider a side of garlic bread for dipping. For a complete Italian-themed dinner, a simple green salad with vinaigrette rounds out the meal perfectly.
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is essential for building the base flavors of your sauce.
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it's nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. This should take another 6-8 minutes. Browning the meat helps to lock in flavors and adds a lovely depth to the sauce.
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Make sure everything is well combined before pouring in the red wine. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, letting the wine infuse its richness.
Time to season! Add the sugar, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer away gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. These final touches add brightness and a savory depth that will make your sauce sing.