Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

The delicious aroma of homemade pasta sauce fills your kitchen as it simmers on the stove, creating a meal that everyone will love to enjoy. Whether you're craving for a hearty Italian feast or simply need an easy-to-prepare dinner option, making this homemade pasta sauce is sure to satisfy those cravings.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions

Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion; cook until browned (about 10 minutes).
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the canned tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer gently for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
4. Taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately over cooked pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, etc.).

Homemade pasta sauce is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various types of pasta and other accompaniments like grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or even a simple green salad. For those looking to add more variety, you could experiment by adding different vegetables such as carrots or zucchini into the mix during the cooking process.

Storage Tips

If you have extra sauce that doesn't get used up within a few days, consider freezing it for future meals. Portioning the sauce into smaller containers (such as ice cube trays) makes it easy to thaw and use in small amounts later on without wasting any.

Variations

For those who enjoy more heat in their dishes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes would give the dish an extra kick. Alternatively, if you prefer less richness from the ground beef, substituting half of it with leaner chicken breast or turkey meat will still result in a hearty yet lighter sauce.

Health Benefits

This homemade pasta sauce isn't just delicious; it's also nutritious! Ground beef provides protein which helps build muscle and repair tissues. Onions contain antioxidants that support immune health, while tomatoes are rich sources of vitamins C and A - both essential for skin health as well as supporting bone growth.

Conclusion

Serving a bowlful of this simple yet scrumptious pasta sauce will make any evening mealtime memorable. Its affordability combined with the satisfaction derived from knowing exactly what goes into each serving makes it an ideal choice whether you're entertaining friends or simply preparing a cozy family dinner at home.