Rustic Woodland Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Name: Rustic Woodland Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground venison; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup finely chopped onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced; 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup red wine; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb spaghetti

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

This Rustic Woodland Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a heartwarming dish that brings a taste of the forest into your kitchen. It's perfect for those seeking a meal that’s both comforting and a bit adventurous, thanks to the unique flavor of venison.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Rustic Woodland Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Ground venison is the star of this dish, providing a lean and slightly gamey flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, adding depth and richness. Onions and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the sauce with warmth and flavor. Button mushrooms introduce an earthy note, complementing the venison. The crushed tomatoes and tomato paste give the sauce its hearty, tangy body. Red wine enhances the sauce with a robust depth, while dried thyme and rosemary offer a woodsy aroma. Finally, Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a salty, umami kick.

Tips & Tricks

If you can't find venison, lean ground beef or turkey will work as substitutions.
For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer if time permits.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the flavors develop during simmering.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a crusty baguette to mop up the sauce. A glass of the same red wine used in the sauce will complement the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce in advance?: Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sauce?: Absolutely! Swap the venison for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

Rustic Woodland Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, add the ground venison to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all over, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and continue cooking until they’re soft and have released their moisture.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated. Sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside. To serve, plate a generous helping of spaghetti and ladle the sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that perfect touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Features rich, earthy flavors that elevate a classic dish.
Uses venison for a leaner, healthier alternative to beef.
Simple yet impressive enough for dinner parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground venison

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup finely chopped onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup button mushrooms, sliced

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup red wine

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 lb spaghetti

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

2. Add ground venison to the skillet, cooking until browned.

3. Stir in mushrooms and cook until soft.

4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine; stir to combine.

5. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.