Introduction
Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, offering a versatile base for a myriad of dishes beyond the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Today, we introduce you to an exceptional recipe: Spaghetti Sauce II. This delicious and hearty sauce promises to elevate your pasta experience, while its rich taste and flexible nature make it perfect for a variety of meals. Let’s dive into the process of creating this wonderful sauce and explore the ins and outs of its preparation.
Detailed Ingredients
The beauty of Spaghetti Sauce II lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Packing robust flavor into a single dish doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here’s what you can expect in terms of time and yield:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Following these step-by-step instructions will guide you to a perfect batch of Spaghetti Sauce II:
- In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and crumbled. If desired, you can drain off the excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about five minutes or until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Blend the mixture well to ensure all the tomato products are combined evenly.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the sauce to distribute the seasonings fully.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
Notes
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your spaghetti sauce turns out perfectly each time:
- Meat Variations: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms for additional texture and nutrition.
- Consistency Tweaks: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or simmer the sauce for a longer period. For a thinner sauce, add a little more water or broth.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If the sauce tastes too acidic, a teaspoon of sugar can balance out the flavors.
Cook Techniques
Understanding some essential cooking techniques can elevate your spaghetti sauce from good to sublime:
- Browning the Meat: Properly browning the ground beef builds a flavorful foundation for your sauce. Don’t rush this step; let the meat develop a deep color and rich flavor.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Cooking the onion