This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Made with a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic herbs, it slow cooks to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta, creating an unforgettable family dinner. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and sugar provides a touch of sweetness and depth, balancing the tangy tomatoes. Ideal for slow cooking, this sauce will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¾ pound bulk Italian sausage
- 4 medium onions, finely chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cans (14 ½ ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ¼ cup minced parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
- Hot cooked spaghetti, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics:
In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and there’s no pink left. Break the meat up as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain any excess fat if you prefer a leaner sauce.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, canola oil, and all the herbs and spices (parsley, basil, oregano, bay leaves, sage, marjoram, salt, and pepper).
3. Add Water and Cook:
Pour in ½ cup of water to loosen the sauce and mix everything well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 4 hours. The long slow-cooking process helps to develop the deep, savory flavors of the sauce.
4. Serve:
Once the sauce has cooked, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over your favorite spaghetti or pasta.
Tips:
- Use a Combination of Meats:
The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds both texture and flavor depth. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for sweet Italian sausage or substitute it entirely with ground beef for a leaner sauce. - Slow Cooker Magic:
Slow cooking allows the tomatoes, meat, and spices to meld into a deeply flavorful sauce. Cooking on low for 8 hours brings out the best results, but if you’re short on time, high for 4 hours still delivers a rich sauce. - Add Water Gradually:
If you find the sauce getting too thick during cooking, you can add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency. The sauce will thicken naturally as it simmers. - Make It Ahead:
This sauce gets even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. - Serving Suggestions:
Serve this rich sauce over hot spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for added brightness.
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the slow-cooked flavors make every bite memorable!
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