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Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce

Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce

Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, comforting sauce featuring ground beef or Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich blend of tomato and herbs. Perfectly balanced and versatile, this sauce clings beautifully to pasta and is ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, or even as a pizza base. Made with simple ingredients, it simmers low and slow to develop deep flavors, making every meal feel like a warm, homemade hug.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup sweet bell peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Brown the meat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Incorporate vegetables. Stir in 1 cup of chopped sweet bell peppers and continue cooking for a few minutes until they become tender, adding texture and natural sweetness to the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Add tomatoes and seasoning. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
  5. Step 5: Simmer and develop flavors. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This slow cooking melds flavors and thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
  6. Step 6: Finish with Parmesan. Just before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to add creaminess and savory depth, bringing the sauce together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
  • Brown the meat thoroughly to enhance richness and depth.
  • Simmer sauce low and slow to meld flavors perfectly.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to match your preference.
  • Reserve some pasta water to add when mixing sauce and pasta for better texture and binding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pioneer Woman, spaghetti sauce, homemade sauce, Italian seasoning, ground beef sauce, pasta sauce, comfort food