Wrap yourself in the hearty comfort of this natural veggie chunky meat sauce recipe. A perfect harmony of the freshest vegetables, lean ground beef, and a mix of aromatic seasonings, this sauce adds a new dimension of flavor to a favorite pasta dish.
Photos of Natural Veggie Chunky Meat Sauce Recipe
The recipe calls for some ingredients that you may not commonly find in your pantry such as habanero peppers, fennel seeds and fresh basil. While you're at the supermarket, keep an eye out for the habanero peppers which add a spicy kick to the sauce. Fennel seeds are known for their sweet, licorice-like flavor which complements the tanginess of the tomatoes. Fresh basil is essential for adding a refreshing touch to the hearty sauce.
Ingredients for Natural Veggie Chunky Meat Sauce
Red plum tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a tangy and sweet flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with canned tomatoes, but fresh ones will give a brighter taste.
Vegetable stock: It adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Green bell peppers: Peppers add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
Tomato paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Mushrooms: They add an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
White vinegar: Vinegar balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Olive oil: It gives a smooth texture and adds a slightly fruity flavor.
Lean-ground beef: Ground beef adds protein and makes the sauce hearty.
Onion: This gives a sweet and savory flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, slightly bitter taste.
Shallot: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor that is less overpowering than onions.
Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a spicy, pungent flavor.
Habanero peppers: These peppers are spicy and add heat to the sauce.
Italian seasoning: This mixture of dried herbs adds a complex flavor.
Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds add a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
White sugar: Sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a sweet, peppery flavor.
One reader, Edgardo Ingle says:
This veggie chunky meat sauce recipe is a game-changer! The blend of fresh veggies and lean beef creates a rich, hearty flavor that's simply irresistible. It's a perfect balance of healthy and delicious. I highly recommend trying it out for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Mastering the Art of Sauce-Making: Key Techniques
How to puree tomatoes: Place the chopped plum tomatoes in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
How to simmer sauce: Bring the mixture of pureed tomatoes, vegetable stock, bell peppers, tomato paste, mushrooms, vinegar, and oil to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until the sauce thickens.
How to brown ground beef: Cook and stir the ground beef in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and crumbly.
How to prepare vegetables and herbs: Finely chop the onion, parsley, shallot, garlic, habanero peppers, and basil before adding them to the sauce.
How to serve: Serve the chunky meat sauce warm over spaghetti.
How To Make Natural Veggie Chunky Meat Sauce
Perfect to serve over spaghetti, this chunky meat sauce is loaded with lots of veggies and tender ground beef, simmered for 2 hours to get the best flavor!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12fresh red plum tomatoes,chopped
- 1cupvegetable stock
- 2green bell peppers,chopped
- 6oztomato paste,(1 can)
- 8small mushrooms,chopped
- ¼cupwhite vinegar,distilled
- ¼cupolive oil
- 1lblean-ground beef
- 1large onion,chopped
- 1bunchfresh parsley,chopped
- 1shallot,chopped
- 9garlic cloves,minced
- 2habanero peppers,chopped
- 2tbspItalian seasoning
- 2tspfennel seeds
- 1tspwhite sugar
- 3fresh basil leaves,chopped
Instructions
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Place the chopped plum tomatoes in a food processor. Pulse until pureed, then transfer to a Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the vegetable stock, green bell peppers, tomato paste, mushrooms, vinegar, and oil. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until saucy.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the ground beef in the hot skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and crumbly. Drain and discard grease. Transfer the cooked beef to the Dutch oven.
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Place the onion, parsley, shallot, garlic, habanero peppers, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, sugar, and basil into the Dutch oven.
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Cover and continue to simmer for 12 to 15 minutes more until the vegetables are tender.
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Serve warm over spaghetti, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
For a full vegan sauce, the beef can be eliminated.
Nutrition
- Calories: 167.37kcal
- Fat: 8.11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.75g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.87g
- Carbohydrates: 13.27g
- Fiber: 3.53g
- Sugar: 6.93g
- Protein: 12.64g
- Cholesterol: 28.58mg
- Sodium: 185.33mg
- Calcium: 59.71mg
- Potassium: 723.46mg
- Iron: 3.16mg
- Vitamin A: 80.95µg
- Vitamin C: 62.33mg
Elevate Your Sauce Game with This Simple Technique
When simmering your sauce, it's important to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This also helps to evenly distribute the heat and allows the flavors to meld together more effectively. For an even richer flavor, consider sautéing the onion, garlic, and shallot before adding them to the dutch oven. This caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables, adding a depth of flavor to your meat sauce.
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Home Cooks
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a large quantity of the sauce and freeze it in portions for quick and easy future meals.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors and blenders to speed up the chopping and blending process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Natural Veggie Chunky Meat Sauce Recipe
fresh red plum tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh tomatoes, especially when they are not in season. They are already peeled and chopped, saving time and effort in preparation.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can be used as a substitute for vegetable stock to add depth of flavor and richness to the sauce. However, if a vegetarian option is preferred, vegetable broth can be used instead.
green bell peppers - Substitute with yellow bell peppers: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste to add a tangy sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. However, it is important to adjust the quantity of other sweeteners in the recipe to account for the added sweetness from ketchup.
mushrooms - Substitute with chopped zucchini: Chopped zucchini can be used as a substitute for mushrooms to add a similar texture and mild flavor to the sauce, making it suitable for those who do not consume mushrooms.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and mellow flavor to the sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing and cooking the ingredients.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, reducing the overall fat content of the sauce while still providing a rich and savory flavor.
large onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, providing a milder and sweeter flavor to the sauce.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley, providing a similar herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color to the sauce.
shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can be used as a substitute for shallots, adding a slightly sharper flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient option with a milder flavor and easy incorporation into the sauce.
habanero peppers - Substitute with jalapeño peppers: Jalapeño peppers can be used as a substitute for habanero peppers, offering a milder heat level while still adding a spicy kick to the sauce.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning, providing a similar herbaceous flavor profile with hints of earthiness and warmth.
fennel seeds - Substitute with anise seeds: Anise seeds can be used as a substitute for fennel seeds, offering a similar licorice-like flavor and aroma to the sauce.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of white sugar, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for fresh basil leaves, providing a similar herbaceous flavor and aroma to the sauce.
Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Tips
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating an artful and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use the vibrant colors of the chunky meat sauce to create a striking visual impact.
Incorporate fresh herb garnish: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the rich, chunky meat sauce.
Opt for elegant tableware: Choose sophisticated and elegant tableware to showcase the natural veggie chunky meat sauce. Consider using minimalist white plates or bowls to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to take center stage.
Emphasize texture: Pay attention to the textural elements of the presentation. Consider serving the chunky meat sauce on a bed of al dente pasta to create a delightful contrast in textures.
Highlight the aroma: As you present the dish, allow the aromatic fragrance of the chunky meat sauce to waft through the air, tantalizing the senses of the culinary professionals with its rich and inviting aroma.
Artful drizzling of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a swirl of high-quality olive oil over the dish to add a luxurious sheen and a touch of richness to the presentation.
Use complementary side dishes: Consider serving the chunky meat sauce alongside a complementary side dish, such as a freshly baked artisanal bread or a crisp, lightly dressed salad, to create a well-rounded and visually appealing presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Sauce
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently processing the plum tomatoes into a puree for the sauce.
Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, typically made of cast iron or ceramic. It's perfect for simmering the sauce over low heat for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is essential for browning the ground beef. It provides a large, flat cooking surface and allows for even heat distribution.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile, all-purpose knife that is essential for chopping and mincing ingredients like onions, garlic, and peppers.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients. It helps protect your countertops and keeps your knife sharp.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and mixing the sauce as it simmers. It won't scratch the surface of the Dutch oven and is gentle on delicate ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measuring ingredients is crucial in cooking. Measuring cups and spoons ensure that the right proportions of stock, vinegar, oil, and sugar are added to the sauce.
Can opener: A can opener is necessary for opening the tomato paste, ensuring that all the ingredients can be incorporated into the sauce.
Colander: A colander is useful for draining the cooked ground beef, removing excess grease before adding it to the sauce.
Grater: A grater may be used to grate any cheese for topping the finished dish.
Tongs: Tongs are helpful for serving the spaghetti and meat sauce, allowing for easy portioning and plating.
Preserving the Goodness: Storage and Freezing Guidelines
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the meat sauce:
- Divide the sauce into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- The frozen chunky meat sauce will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To thaw the frozen sauce:
- Remove the desired portion from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the sauce in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
- Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the reheated sauce appears too thick, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable stock to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving over your favorite pasta or using it in other dishes.
Reviving Leftovers: The Best Reheating Methods
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover natural veggie chunky meat sauce to a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and simmering. This method allows you to control the temperature and consistency of the sauce, ensuring it doesn't burn or become too thick.
Microwave method: place the desired amount of leftover sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. This method is ideal if you're reheating a large quantity of sauce or if you're reheating the sauce along with pasta or another dish.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker or crock pot, you can use it to reheat your leftover sauce. Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let the sauce warm for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the sauce warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the sauce well before serving to redistribute any separated ingredients and ensure even heating. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of water, broth, or tomato juice to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Surprising Trivia About Chunky Meat Sauces
The recipe contains a variety of vegetables and herbs that not only add flavor but also provide essential nutrients.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Recipe Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this natural veggie chunky meat sauce recipe is quite high. The use of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms, along with lean ground beef, makes it a nutritious and budget-friendly option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. The versatility of this recipe also allows for leftovers, making it even more cost-effective. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Veggie-Packed Meat Sauce Healthy?
The natural veggie chunky meat sauce recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it incorporates a variety of vegetables and lean ground beef. The use of fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, parsley, shallot, garlic, and basil provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The lean ground beef offers protein, while the olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock to reduce the overall sodium content
- Replace the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar, which offers additional health benefits
- Use whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles instead of regular spaghetti to increase fiber intake and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used, or replace some of it with a low-calorie cooking spray to lower the overall calorie count
- Add more vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Limit the use of habanero peppers if you are sensitive to spicy foods, as they can cause digestive discomfort for some individuals
An Editor's Take on This Hearty Meat Sauce Recipe
This natural veggie chunky meat sauce recipe is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and savory flavors. The combination of plum tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms creates a rich and hearty base, while the addition of lean ground beef adds depth and texture. The aromatic blend of garlic, shallot, and herbs infuses the sauce with a burst of flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any pasta dish. The balance of acidity from the vinegar and sweetness from the sugar creates a harmonious taste profile. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
Enhance Your Natural Veggie Chunky Meat Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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From Start to Finish: Appetizer and Dessert Suggestions
Why trust this Natural Veggie Chunky Meat Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and flavorful seasonings, ensuring a delicious and wholesome meal. The use of lean-ground beef guarantees a healthier option, while the addition of fresh herbs and aromatic spices elevates the dish's taste profile. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich and hearty chunky meat sauce. With the combination of plum tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms, this recipe promises a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.
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