Classic Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and hearty meat sauce, simmered with aromatic herbs for a deep, comforting flavor. This versatile sauce is simple to prepare in one pot and is perfect for a classic spaghetti dinner. It also freezes beautifully for easy future meals.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 277 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely diced
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 300 gground beef, lean
- 150 gground pork
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 800 gcrushed tomatoes
- 120 mlwater(optional)
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspdried basil
- 1 tspsugar
- 1 pcsbay leaf
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
Equipment
dutch oven · large pot · wooden spoon · cutting board · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
- 4
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned all over.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Increase the heat to medium-high to get a good sear on the meat.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute, allowing it to coat the meat.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the tomato paste deepens its flavor and removes any raw taste.
- 6
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and optional water. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
About 2 min
- 7
Stir well to combine, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
About 5 min
- 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 60 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: For a richer, more developed flavor, you can simmer the sauce for up to 2-3 hours.
- 9
Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 276.8kcal
- Protein
- 14.7g
- Carbs
- 10.5g
- Fat
- 20.1g
- Fibre
- 2.6g
- Sugar
- 6.2g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipessnack
Pani Puri (Spicy Water Balls)
Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food snack consisting of crispy, hollow puri shells filled with a spicy potato and chickpea mixture, then topped with a flavorful tamarind and mint-coriander spiced water (pani). This vegan recipe captures the vibrant flavors and textures of this beloved dish, perfect for a fun and interactive appetizer.
45 min 245 kcalside dish
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
A classic American comfort food, this casserole features shredded hash browns in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. A crunchy topping of buttered cornflakes provides the perfect contrast in texture, making it an ideal side dish for holidays or a hearty main course.
1 hr 10 min 635 kcalbreakfast
Noon-e Barbari with Cheese and Herbs
A classic Persian breakfast or snack featuring warm, savory Barbari flatbread served with salty feta-style cheese, fresh herbs, and crunchy walnuts. This simple, satisfying platter is a balanced and traditional way to start the day.
15 minsnack
Paleo Energy Balls
These simple energy balls are made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a quick and nutritious snack. They are naturally sweet, satisfying, and easy to prepare without any baking.
45 min 124 kcallunch
Quinoa Tabbouleh
This quinoa tabbouleh is a fresh and vibrant salad, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. It combines fluffy quinoa with finely chopped herbs, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, all dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. This recipe offers a gluten-free twist on the classic Middle Eastern staple.
1 hr 10 min 297 kcalsnack
Paleo Zucchini Bread
This moist and flavorful zucchini bread is made with almond and coconut flours, making it a perfect grain-free treat. Lightly spiced with cinnamon, it's an excellent snack or breakfast option for those following a paleo diet.
1 hr 25 min 421 kcalbeverage
Sahlab
Sahlab is a traditional, creamy Middle Eastern hot milk pudding drink, often enjoyed during colder months. It's subtly sweet, fragrantly spiced, and incredibly comforting. This recipe uses sahlab powder to create a thick, warm beverage perfect for a cozy evening.
15 min 247 kcal