Creating a delectable homemade pasta sauce from scratch can elevate any pasta dish to new heights. This recipe combines rich flavors of ground meat, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables to produce a savory, satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Photos of Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
Some of the ingredients in this recipe, like fennel seed and allspice, might not be commonly found in your pantry. These spices add a unique depth to the sauce, enhancing its flavor profile. Make sure to grab them at the supermarket, along with fresh herbs like parsley and basil.
Ingredients For Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
garlic: Gives a pungent, aromatic kick.
bay leaves: Infuses the sauce with a subtle, earthy essence.
italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an authentic Italian flavor.
green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
water: Helps to achieve the desired consistency.
tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor.
tomato sauce: Adds depth and thickness to the sauce.
parsley: Fresh herb that brightens the dish.
basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic touch.
sage: Part of the meat seasoning mix, adding a warm, earthy flavor.
fennel seed: Provides a subtle licorice flavor that enhances the meat.
thyme: Adds a subtle, woody flavor to the meat.
black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the sauce.
allspice: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the meat seasoning mix.
One reader, Cele Wilkie says:
This homemade pasta sauce recipe is fantastic! The blend of spices and fresh herbs creates a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with any pasta. Easy to follow and absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Crafting Homemade Pasta Sauce
How to brown meat: Heat a pan over medium heat, add the seasoned ground meat, and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. How to chop an onion: Peel the onion, cut it in half, and then slice it into small, even pieces. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them into small pieces. How to simmer: After bringing the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently, uncovered, for an extended period to thicken and develop flavors. How to remove bay leaves: Once the cooking is complete, locate the bay leaves in the sauce and take them out before serving.
How To Make Homemade Pasta Sauce
A balance with the minty Italian seasoning and tomato sauce with the right consistency from the beef make this homemade pasta sauce a rich pasta companion.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbsground beef or turkey
- 1large onion,diced
- 3clovesgarlic
- 2bay leaves
- 1tbspItalian seasoning
- 1large green bell pepper,diced
- ½tspsalt,or to taste
- 1tspsugar
- 1cupwater
- 28oztomatoes,canned diced
- 28oztomato sauce,canned
- ¼cupfresh parsley,chopped
- ¼cupfresh basil,chopped
For the Meat Seasoning Mix:
- 2tspsage
- 2tspfennel seed
- 1tspthyme
- 1tspblack pepper
- ⅛tspallspice
Instructions
-
Combine seasoning and ground meat until well mixed. Brown meat, onion, and garlic over medium heat making sure to break up the meat very well.
-
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 1 hour or until desired consistency.
-
Stir in parsley and basil.
-
Remove bay leaves and serve over hot pasta
Nutrition
- Calories: 280.17kcal
- Fat: 17.80g
- Saturated Fat: 6.61g
- Trans Fat: 1.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.70g
- Carbohydrates: 14.14g
- Fiber: 4.19g
- Sugar: 8.00g
- Protein: 17.44g
- Cholesterol: 60.38mg
- Sodium: 681.42mg
- Calcium: 79.25mg
- Potassium: 864.77mg
- Iron: 3.96mg
- Vitamin A: 83.92µg
- Vitamin C: 42.12mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Elevating Your Pasta Sauce
To enhance the flavor of your ground meat, toast the fennel seed and sage in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the meat. This will release their essential oils and deepen the overall taste of your pasta sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pasta Sauce from Scratch
Pre-mix the seasoning: Combine the sage, fennel seed, thyme, black pepper, and allspice ahead of time to save a few minutes.
Chop vegetables in advance: Dice the onion and green bell pepper the night before and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Opt for canned tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and tomato sauce to cut down on prep time.
Batch cook: Make a double batch of the pasta sauce and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
ground turkey - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based protein alternative and absorb flavors well, making them a great meat substitute.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the sauce.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a slightly different flavor and is less pungent.
bay leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme provides a similar earthy flavor and can be used to enhance the depth of the sauce.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence includes a mix of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, which can provide a similar flavor profile.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and can add a different but pleasant flavor to the sauce.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness and a slight floral note to the sauce.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor compared to plain water, enriching the sauce.
tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor, making them an easy substitute.
tomato sauce - Substitute with tomato paste and water: Mixing tomato paste with water can mimic the consistency and flavor of tomato sauce.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh, though it has a more concentrated flavor.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute, but it is more potent, so use less.
sage - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a similar flavor profile and can be used as a substitute in the meat seasoning mix.
fennel seed - Substitute with anise seed: Anise seed has a similar licorice-like flavor and can be used as a substitute.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can complement the other herbs in the meat seasoning mix.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor but can still provide the necessary heat.
allspice - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can mimic the taste of allspice.
How to Beautifully Present Your Pasta Sauce
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the pasta in a delicate nest, ensuring the sauce is generously but artfully draped over the top. This allows the vibrant colors and textures to shine.
Use decoration: Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley to add a pop of green and a fresh aroma.
Layer flavors: Place a small dollop of ricotta cheese or a shaving of parmesan on top to add a creamy, salty contrast to the rich sauce.
Highlight ingredients: Arrange thin slices of green bell pepper and a few whole bay leaves around the plate to showcase the key components of the sauce.
Use high-quality pasta: Opt for freshly made pasta or high-quality dried pasta cooked to al dente perfection, ensuring it holds the sauce well.
Create height: Stack the pasta and sauce in a way that creates height on the plate, making the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Add a touch of luxury: Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish to add a glossy finish and a hint of richness.
Use a clean plate: Ensure the plate is spotless, with no smudges or drips, to maintain a professional and polished presentation.
Balance colors: Use a white or neutral-colored plate to make the vibrant reds of the tomato sauce and the greens of the herbs stand out.
Serve immediately: Present the dish while it's hot to ensure the sauce is at its peak flavor and the pasta is perfectly textured.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta Sauce at Home
Large skillet: Use this to brown the seasoned ground meat, onion, and garlic over medium heat.
Wooden spoon: Essential for breaking up the meat and stirring the sauce as it simmers.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife for finely dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the green bell pepper.
Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements of the spices and seasonings are crucial for the perfect flavor balance.
Measuring cups: For measuring the water, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs.
Large pot: To combine all the ingredients and simmer the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.
Ladle: Useful for stirring the sauce occasionally and serving it over hot pasta.
Colander: To drain the pasta before serving it with the sauce.
Mixing bowl: To combine the ground meat with the seasoning mix before browning.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Herb scissors: Handy for chopping fresh parsley and basil quickly and efficiently.
Tongs: Useful for handling hot pasta when serving.
Timer: To keep track of the simmering time to ensure the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Homemade Pasta Sauce
Allow the pasta sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation.
To freeze the homemade pasta sauce:
- Divide the cooled sauce into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label each container or bag with the date and amount of sauce.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easier storage and quicker thawing.
Frozen pasta sauce can be stored for up to 6 months. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate, but it will still be safe to consume.
To thaw frozen pasta sauce, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the sauce in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
Do not refreeze previously frozen pasta sauce, as this can affect its texture and quality. If you have leftovers after reheating, store them in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover pasta sauce to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. Heat until the sauce is warmed through and bubbling gently.
Microwave method: place the desired amount of leftover pasta sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and help retain moisture. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. Stir the sauce once halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover pasta sauce, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the sauce is warmed through. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the pasta sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may find that the flavors have intensified or mellowed during storage, so a little extra salt, pepper, or herbs can help revive the sauce.
Fascinating Trivia About Pasta Sauce
A unique aspect of this homemade pasta sauce recipe is the use of fennel seed in the meat seasoning mix. Fennel seed is often found in Italian sausage, and its inclusion here adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Is Making Pasta Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade pasta sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, and tomatoes as primary ingredients keeps the cost low while delivering rich flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20 USD.
Is Homemade Pasta Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade pasta sauce recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to the high amount of ground beef or turkey used. Red meat, especially in large quantities, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of ground meat and replace it with a leaner protein source, such as ground chicken or turkey breast
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the sauce, such as carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value and fiber content
- Use whole, peeled tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a fresher taste and lower sodium content
- Opt for whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber and protein in the dish
- Reduce the amount of added sugar or omit it entirely, as the natural sweetness from the tomatoes and vegetables should suffice
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more vibrant flavor and added health benefits
By incorporating these changes, you can transform this pasta sauce into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
This homemade pasta sauce recipe is robust and flavorful, combining ground meat with aromatic spices like sage, fennel seed, and thyme. The addition of fresh parsley and basil at the end brightens the dish, while the simmering process melds the flavors beautifully. The use of both tomatoes and tomato sauce ensures a rich, hearty base. However, consider sautéing the bell pepper with the onion and garlic for added depth. Overall, it's a well-rounded, satisfying sauce perfect for any pasta dish.
Enhance Your Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Pasta Sauce Recipes
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Pasta Sauce
Why trust this Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe:
This homemade pasta sauce recipe is a must-try for its rich, authentic flavors. Using a blend of ground beef or turkey, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, it promises a hearty and satisfying meal. The inclusion of fresh parsley and basil adds a burst of freshness, while the slow simmering process ensures a deep, well-rounded taste. Trust this recipe for its balance of traditional and robust ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any pasta dish.
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