This Rustic Autumn Spaghetti Sauce brings the cozy warmth of fall right to your dinner table. With a touch of pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon, it's a seasonal twist on the classic spaghetti sauce that you won't want to miss.
Olive oil is used to sauté the base ingredients, adding a rich flavor. Onion and garlic provide the aromatic foundation of the sauce. Ground beef adds heartiness and protein. Crushed tomatoes form the sauce's base, while pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. Tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor. Beef broth enhances the meaty taste and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick. Thyme and rosemary bring earthy notes, while cinnamon and nutmeg provide a warm, spicy undertone. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami kick, and fresh basil leaves brighten up the dish.
This sauce pairs beautifully with a simple salad of arugula and shaved Parmesan. Add some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce on your plate. A nice glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, would complement the flavors perfectly.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma will be your cue that it's time to add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it's browned all over.
Once your beef is nicely browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and tomato paste. Make sure everything is well combined before pouring in the beef broth. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This will let all those lovely flavors meld together.
After 30 minutes, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Serve this delicious sauce over your favorite pasta, and don't forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for that final touch of freshness.
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