Hearty Rustic Spaghetti Sauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
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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.

Ingredients for Hearty Rustic Spaghetti Sauce

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you can, let the sauce simmer longer for even more developed flavors.
  • For a thicker sauce, add another tablespoon of tomato paste.
  • Use a good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking; it makes a difference!
  • Want more spice? Feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may cook faster than beef.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, this sauce will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Store in a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 3 months.

Hearty Rustic Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, deep flavors from a simple ingredient list.
  • Easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
  • Versatile enough to be dressed up or down.
  • Freezes beautifully for those busy nights.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
5. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer.
6. Add sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

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