Spaghetti from Scratch

Today we’re diving into a classic Italian dish that’s bound to bring joy to your dinner table: Spaghetti from Scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a game-changer. Imagine the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs wafting through your kitchen, transforming your meal into a culinary masterpiece. Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a flavor journey that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!

Why settle for store-bought spaghetti sauce when you can create a rich, flavorful sauce from scratch that’s bound to impress your family and friends? This homemade spaghetti sauce is packed with robust flavors and fresh ingredients, elevating a simple meal into something truly special. By using high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a blend of herbs, you’ll create a sauce that’s rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. Plus, making spaghetti from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, tastier dish with no preservatives or artificial additives.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering spaghetti from scratch:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• 1 box Angel Hair Pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 4 (28 oz.) cans San Marzano Style Tomatoes (e.g., Cento)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 Large Green Bell Peppers, diced
• 5 tsp Minced Garlic (or 5 garlic cloves, minced)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped
• 2 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Garlic Infused Olive Oil (or regular olive oil)
• 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Sauce Base:

• Heat the garlic-infused olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and diced green bell peppers. Sauté until the peppers are tender and the garlic is fragrant.

2. Build the Sauce:

• Stir in the San Marzano Style Tomatoes and tomato paste.
• Add the dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together thoroughly.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Cook the Meat:

• While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking the meat apart as it browns, until it’s fully cooked. Set aside.

4. Combine and Finish:

• After 2 hours of simmering, add the cooked ground beef and sausage to the sauce.
• Let it cook for an additional 3 minutes, then stir in the fresh basil.
• Reserve some sauce for future meals if desired.
• Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and mix until well combined.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with your favorite cheese or extra fresh basil if desired. Enjoy every bite of this hearty, homemade dish!

Expert Tips and Tricks

1. Quality Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes. They have a sweet, rich flavor that’s perfect for sauces.
2. Simmer Slowly: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a couple of hours helps develop a deep, complex flavor.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
4. Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
5. Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking preserves its vibrant flavor.

Variations

1. Meat Variations: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for a hearty vegetarian sauce.
3. Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
4. Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Herb Blend: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor.
6. Wine Infused: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
7. Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
8. Seafood Spaghetti: Add shrimp or clams for a seafood twist.
9. Balsamic Vinegar: A dash of balsamic vinegar can add a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
10. Chunky Sauce: For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher to break up the tomatoes as they cook.

What to Serve With

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing with spaghetti.
2. Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad complements the rich flavors of the spaghetti.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Top your spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives makes a great starter.
6. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance.
7. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a refreshing side.
8. Green Beans: Sauteed green beans add a crisp texture.
9. Garlic Parmesan Knots: Soft, cheesy garlic knots are perfect for sopping up the sauce.
10. Italian Meatballs: Serve alongside Italian meatballs for a hearty, meaty meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce and cooked pasta separately. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat spaghetti and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Quantity for Family Gatherings

For a family gathering, plan on making about 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked pasta per person, depending on appetites and the number of sides. For a gathering of 8-10 people, you’ll need roughly 2-3 pounds of pasta and double the recipe of sauce to ensure everyone gets a hearty serving.

Advance Preparation

You can make the spaghetti sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It can also be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool the sauce completely before freezing.

Spaghetti from Scratch

If you’ve been looking for a way to make the best homemade spaghetti sauce, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m going to share with you my secret recipe that takes this classic dish to the next level. Trust me, once you make it this way, you won’t want to go back. Let’s dive right in and create the most flavorful spaghetti sauce you’ve ever had!

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Servings 1

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• Angel Hair Pasta I used 1 box.
• 4 28 oz. cans San Marzano Style Tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 Large Green Bell Peppers
• 5 tsp Minced Garlic or 5 Garlic Cloves Minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil, Chopped
• 2 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Branch and Vine Garlic Infused Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp CrushSalt and Pepper to tasteed Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

 

• In a Dutch oven, add oil and let it come up to temp. Then add in garlic and diced bell peppers. Saute.
• Stir in the 4 cans of San Marzano Style Tomatoes (I used Cento ). Then add in, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, each Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes and stir.
• Bring it up to a simmer then let it cook for about 2 hours. While it’s cooking make your spaghetti on the side.
• After 2 hours, prepare your pan with oil up to temp, in your pan add your ground beef and sausage, breaking it down. Cook until golden brown then set aside.
• After the last hour, add in the ground beef and sausage. Let cook for about 3 minutes then add in the fresh basil and let simmer.
• Set some aside for the next cooks, then add in the spaghetti and stir.
• Serve and Enjoy!

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