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Homemade Legendary Spaghetti Sauce Recipe photo

Legendary Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

A rich, classic tomato and beef sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes and Italian herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • potato masher or large ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion chopped
  • 1 28-ounce can whole peeled plum tomatoes San Marzano preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb spice mix
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat and add the butter.
  • When the butter begins to bubble, add the ground beef and chopped onion.
  • Cook, stirring and breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the canned whole tomatoes and the Italian herb spice mix to the pan.
  • If using whole tomatoes, mash them in the pan with a potato masher or large ladle until broken up.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and season with salt as needed, then serve.

Notes

  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter, less acidic sauce.
  • Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.
  • Mash whole tomatoes in the pan for a rustic texture.
  • Simmer gently to meld flavors.