Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground beef: 500 grams
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Red bell peppers: 2, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, crushed
- Spaghetti sauce base or tomato paste: 1 cup
- Tomatoes: 2 pounds, chopped or crushed
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, to balance acidity)
- Water or chicken broth: 1 cup (if needed)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer red. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce base or tomato paste.
- Add chopped or crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
- Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, adding water or chicken broth if needed to adjust thickness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
- Simmer for another hour or until sauce is rich and flavorful.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: Approx. 300-400 calories per serving (depending on added ingredients)
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
- Protein: 20-30 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Traditional American-style spaghetti sauce with a rich and flavorful tomato base.
- Meaty and hearty, perfect for pairing with spaghetti or other pasta dishes.
- Can be customized with additional ingredients like olives, mushrooms, or cooked meats for a more luxurious version.
User Comments:
- "This sauce is amazing! It has a perfect balance of flavors and the texture is just right."
- "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant."
- "I added some cooked Italian sausage to the sauce and it was outstanding!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef until no longer red to ensure safety.
- Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the sauce tastes perfect.
- If you want a smoother sauce, puree some of the cooked tomatoes in a blender before adding them to the pot.
