Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
 
 
Author:
Recipe type: Dinner
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, chopped/divided (roughly 2 cups)
  • 1 red pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 2 large or 3 medium sized carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lb. to 1-1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, if you like spicy)
  • 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 5 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 (14 oz each) cans Italian Style diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) container fresh mushrooms (optional)
  • 1-1/2 cups beef stock/broth
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • A rind of a Parmesan Wedge
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add half of the onions and sauté until translucent and slightly browned. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until no longer red. Drain grease slightly.
  2. In a food processor, add remaining onions, carrots, and red pepper and process until smooth. Add mixture to the meat pan. Stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add tomato paste and spices and cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, beef broth, sugar, and mushrooms (see tip below on how I pre-cook my mushrooms – optional). Stir until combined. Add bay leaves.
  4. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, stir occasionally. After an hour cooking, add rind from wedge of Parmesan (or grated Parmesan or even both!) 30 Minutes before serving, stir in balsamic vinegar.
  5. Discard bay leaves and parmesan rind before serving.
  6. Makes: Forgot to measure out, but my husband and I love extra sauce on our pasta. I would say it made a good amount for 8 people.
  7. Feel free to adjust seasonings, for your own personal preference.
Recipe by Sweet Dash of Sass at http://sweetdashofsass.com/2014/07/homemade-spaghetti-sauce/