Nanssecretingredient Hearty Meat Sauce

Nan's-Secret Ingredient Hearty Meat Sauce: A Family Favourite

Fancy a proper Hearty Meat Sauce for Spaghetti that tastes like it came straight from Nonna's kitchen? You know, the kind that's been simmering all day and fills the house with an irresistible aroma? Well, grab your apron, because this Recipe Spaghetti Sauce is the one.

What’s the Story Behind This Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe ?

This Traditional Italian Meat Sauce recipe isn't just food, it's a hug in a bowl. Imagine long Sunday lunches, surrounded by family, with a big pot of Hearty Spaghetti Sauce bubbling away.

It’s inspired by those memories, with a cheeky little secret ingredient that elevates it from good to absolutely unforgettable. You honestly won't believe it.

It's a pretty straightforward recipe, suitable for a mid-level chef. It requires about 25 minutes of prep and around 2 and a half hours of cooking time to get everything up to scratch.

This Homemade Pasta Sauce recipe makes enough to feed six to eight hungry mouths.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

This Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef is not only delicious but also packed with flavour. The slow simmering brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and vegetables.

It’s the ultimate comfort food for a cold day or a special family gathering. This Sunday Gravy Recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Honestly, my favourite thing about this Authentic Italian Sauce is the richness. It's like all the flavours have been magnified.

Also, the addition of a tiny amount of dark chocolate elevates the taste of all the other components of the sauce.

The All-Star Lineup (Ingredients)

Time to gather the troops! Here's what you'll need for this amazing Meat Sauce With Vegetables :

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Ready to get cooking? Let's get started!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Saucy!

So, you fancy making the Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe ? Ace! This Hearty Meat Sauce for Spaghetti is all about simple ingredients and a little love.

Honestly, nothing beats a Homemade Pasta Sauce that's been bubbling away, filling your kitchen with that proper Traditional Italian Meat Sauce smell, you know?

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for good quality, it matters.
• Onion: 1 large , finely diced (about 200g). Yellow onions are classic.
• Carrots: 2 medium , finely diced (around 150g). Gives a lovely sweetness.
• Celery: 2 stalks , finely diced (about 120g). Don't skip it, adds depth.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced (around 12g). Fresh is always best.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml). A must have for that Italian vibe.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml). Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). For a bit of a kick!
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g), 80/20 blend. A bit of fat is key for flavor.
• Italian Sausage: 1/2 pound (225g), casings removed. Sweet or hot, you choose!
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (794g). Good quality makes a difference.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g). Adds body and richness.
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6-ounce) can (170g). Concentrated tomato flavor!
• Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (240ml). Chianti or Merlot works great.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml). Adds depth of flavor.
• Bay Leaves: 2 . Essential for that aromatic touch.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml). A secret umami bomb.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Balances the acidity.
• Dark Chocolate: 1 ounce (30g), finely chopped. Nan's secret!
• Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g). Cook it al dente.
• Parmesan Cheese: For serving, freshly grated. Don't skimp!
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish. Makes it look proper fancy.

Seasoning Notes: The Aromatic Powerhouse

Oregano and basil are your core here. They are the essential spice combinations for a Traditional Italian Meat Sauce . Worcestershire is your flavour enhancer, trust me.

A pinch of sugar balances the tomatoes. If you are looking to do a Sunday Gravy Recipe , make sure you use the best Meat Sauce With Vegetables .

If you have got no oregano or basil, Italian seasoning mix works. Seriously, it's fine!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need loads of fancy gear. I mean, who does, right?

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottomed Pot: This is your main man.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat Resistant Spatula: For stirring, obviously.
• Large Skillet: Optional, for browning the meat separately.

Honestly, this Hearty Spaghetti Sauce is all about comfort food. Don't stress too much about fancy techniques. Just get stuck in and enjoy the process of making a Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef .

You'll end up with the Authentic Italian Sauce of your dreams! I even bet you, this is the Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe ! Also, a Slow Cooker Meat Sauce will do the job just fine, if that's your preference!

Nan's-Secret Ingredient Hearty Meat Sauce (The Ultimate Spaghetti Sauce)

Right then, let's talk about this Hearty Meat Sauce for Spaghetti . It is the Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe , hands down.

Honestly, forget that watery stuff from the supermarket. We are talking about proper Traditional Italian Meat Sauce here. Something that clings to your pasta like a long lost friend.

Think of it as the perfect Sunday Gravy Recipe . This is the sauce that makes you wanna call your mum and tell her you love her.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss

First, the boring but crucial bit. Mise en place! Basically, get everything chopped, measured, and ready. Dice your onion, carrots, and celery.

Mince that garlic like you mean it. I'm talking proper little bits. Get your tins of tomatoes open and ready.

It really is essential prep. This saves so much time later. I once tried to chop an onion while the meat was browning.

Disaster. Also, be careful with knives, alright? We don't want any accidents.

step-by-step to Sauce Nirvana

1. Sauté your onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot. Do it over medium heat for about 8- 10 minutes , until they soften up.
2. Chuck in your minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave). Cook for a minute until it smells amazing.
3. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of Italian sausage. Brown the meat completely. Remember to drain off any extra fat. Nobody wants greasy sauce.
4. Pour in 1 cup of dry red wine, then scrape all those tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce for 3- 5 minutes .
5. Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste, 1 cup of beef broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then turn the heat right down. Cover it. Let it simmer for at least 2 hours , or even 3 hours , if you can. The longer, the better!
7. Stir in 1 ounce of finely chopped dark chocolate during the last 30 minutes. Let it melt right in.
8. Cook 1 pound of spaghetti. Serve with loads of sauce and Parmesan!

Pro Tips: Nailing That Perfect Sauce

• Low and slow is the key . This isn't a race. It is the way . Proper Slow Cooker Meat Sauce , really.
• My Nan always said the secret is a tiny bit of dark chocolate. Don't skip it! It adds Authentic Italian Sauce depth.
• Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. It is Homemade Pasta Sauce ; make it your own. You can even add more veggies for a Meat Sauce With Vegetables . This Hearty Spaghetti Sauce is great for batch cooking.

Enjoy this Recipe Spaghetti Sauce folks!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Nan's Secret Ingredient Hearty Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

Right then, let's talk about some bits and bobs that'll make your Hearty Meat Sauce for Spaghetti absolutely banging. It's all about making this Traditional Italian Meat Sauce your own, innit? And don't worry if you're not a pro chef, it's still gonna be top-notch with these pointers.

My own adventures started a long time ago by learning to cook Recipe Spaghetti Sauce with my mom.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Fancy a bit of posh plating? Spoon your Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe over the pasta in a nest shape. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a few basil leaves? Job done! Got some crusty bread? Absolutely dunk that in the sauce.

For drinks, a nice glass of red always goes down a treat with Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef .

Storage: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real

Honestly, this Homemade Pasta Sauce is even better the next day. Just let it cool, then bung it in the fridge ( below 40° F ) for up to 3 days.

Want to freeze it? No worries! Portion it out into freezer bags, get as much air out of them as you can, and it'll be good for up to 3 months.

To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it through on the hob.

Variations: Blimey, That's Good!

Want to make it a bit healthier? Chuck in some extra veggies like chopped peppers or courgettes to your Meat Sauce With Vegetables .

Swap out some of the beef for lentils if you're after a veggie option. A pinch of chilli flakes adds a nice kick, too! For a Slow Cooker Meat Sauce , brown your meat and then throw everything in, cook on low for 6- 8 hours .

Nutrition Basics: Know Your Grub

Alright, so a serving is roughly between 450 and 550 calories . It's packed with protein, roughly 35 - 45 grams , but also has around 25-35 grams of fat .

Remember, this is an estimate. It depends on what you put in it, doesn't it?

Don't be shy about tweaking this Sunday Gravy Recipe to make it perfect for you. Cooking should be fun, not stressful, you know? So, get in the kitchen and make some magic with this Authentic Italian Sauce !