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This flavorful, robust pasta sauce fills your home with incredible smells, just like you'd find in an Italian family kitchen. It turns basic ingredients into a soul-warming treat. The sauce wraps perfectly around the noodles, giving you that perfect meat-to-tomato ratio in every bite.
I worked out all the bugs in this sauce during a super cold winter when we all wanted warm, comforting food. After trying loads of different versions, this one came out on top - my neighbor from Italy even asked me how I made it!
Crucial Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground Beef: Go with 90/10 for good taste without too much fat
- San Marzano Tomatoes: They've got a lovely sweetness and aren't too acidic
- Fresh Garlic: Cut it up yourself for the strongest flavor kick
- Onions: The yellow ones make the best flavor base
- Tomato Paste: Gives a deep flavor and makes the sauce thicker
- Italian Seasoning: Grab fresh herbs if you can get them
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Simple Cooking Method
- Starting Off (15 minutes):
- Warm up your Dutch oven to medium. Cook meat until brown, crumbling it as you go. Toss onions into the meat fat. Let them cook till see-through. Put garlic in last so it won't burn.
- Making Your Sauce (10 minutes):
- Mix in tomato paste and cook a bit. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sauce. Add your herbs and spices. Swish water in empty cans and dump that in too.
- Letting Flavors Blend (45-50 minutes):
- Get it bubbling gently. Turn heat down to low. Give it a stir now and then. Keep an eye on how thick it's getting.
- Last Touches:
- Give it a taste and fix the seasoning. Add a tiny bit of sugar if needed. Check how thick it is. Let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve it.
My favorite thing about this sauce was showing my son how to make it - he counted every stir and called himself the "main taste checker."
Final Thoughts: This sauce has grown beyond just food in our house - it's now a family custom that brings us all together. The way the smell pulls everyone into the kitchen reminds me that often the most basic meals create the best family moments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
- Absolutely! It stays fresh in the fridge for 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- → Why use San Marzano tomatoes?
- They give a natural sweetness, are low in acidity, and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for sauces.
- → Is it okay to skip the meat?
- Sure! Just leave out the beef and toss in veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers.
- → What’s the purpose of adding sugar?
- Sugar cuts the tartness of the tomatoes and evens out the flavors.
- → Can fresh tomatoes replace canned ones?
- Yes! Use about 4 pounds of peeled, crushed fresh tomatoes instead.