Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Boil Spaghetti:
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Drain the spaghetti and toss it with a ladle or two of the sauce. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Plate the spaghetti and top with additional sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade spaghetti hot and savor the rich and flavorful sauce. This classic dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.