Traditional Heirloom Spaghetti Sauce

Name: Traditional Heirloom Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup red wine; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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Welcome to a journey into the heart of Italian comfort food! This Traditional Heirloom Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, savory delight, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. It's a family recipe passed down through generations, bursting with timeless flavors.

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Ingredients for Traditional Heirloom Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil provides a smooth base for sautéing, adding a subtle richness. Onions and garlic are sautéed to release their natural sweetness, forming the aromatic backbone of the sauce. Ground beef and Italian sausage bring a hearty, meaty depth, while the crushed tomatoes offer a robust, tangy body. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor. A splash of red wine enhances the sauce with a hint of sophistication. Sugar balances acidity, and a combination of dried oregano and basil infuses the sauce with classic Italian herbiness. Salt and black pepper season the sauce to taste, while fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese finish it off with fresh, savory notes.

Tips & Tricks

For deeper flavor, let the sauce cook for up to 2 hours.
Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant taste.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more wine or a bit of water as it simmers.
Make in bulk and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce shines over a bed of al dente spaghetti, but don't stop there. It pairs beautifully with linguine or fettuccine. Add a side of garlic bread to mop up every last drop, and a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?: Absolutely, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Consider adding a bit more seasoning to taste.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine?: You can use beef broth or grape juice with a splash of vinegar for a similar depth.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?: Yes, this sauce improves with time. Make it a day ahead for even richer flavors.

Traditional Heirloom Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll want to add your finely chopped onions and minced garlic next. Keep stirring them around until they turn translucent and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Now, toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break them up with your spatula as they cook. You’re aiming for a nice brown color here, which means all those flavors are getting sealed in. Once browned, go ahead and drain any excess fat.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Give it all a good stir before adding the red wine. This is where the sauce starts to come together. Bring everything to a nice simmer.

Sprinkle in the sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, mixing them in thoroughly. Then, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently on low heat for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.

Just before you're ready to serve, stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds a burst of freshness and a savory finish to your sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Deep, rich flavors from a blend of beef and sausage.
Simmered to perfection to bring out the best in every ingredient.
Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herby notes.
Pairs effortlessly with your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup red wine

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

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. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.

2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Bring to a simmer.

4. Add sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Before serving, stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

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