Old Fashioned Spaghetti: A Classic Comfort Food

Nostalgic Appeal

This spaghetti sauce reminds me of those heartwarming family meals where the aroma of a slow-cooked sauce filled the house all day long. The combination of tender ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a meal that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made spaghetti sauce, there’s something truly special about making this Old Fashioned Spaghetti sauce from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of browning the beef, sautéing the aromatics, and letting the sauce simmer slowly in the slow cooker is surprisingly simple and rewarding.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a hint of depth from the red wine (if used). The ground beef is browned to perfection, adding a rich depth of flavor. The onions and garlic are sautéed until softened and fragrant, providing a base for the sauce. The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates a rich and textured tomato base, while the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavor. The optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, and the bay leaves contribute a subtle herbal note.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this sauce so special! We start with [ground beef, browned to perfection for a flavorful base]. Then comes the [onion and garlic, sautéed in olive oil until translucent and fragrant]. We also incorporate [crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, creating a rich and textured tomato base]. The [dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, enhancing the overall flavor]. The [optional red pepper flakes, adding a touch of heat]. The [optional red wine, contributing depth and complexity]. And finally, the [bay leaves, adding a subtle herbal note].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a skillet for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, a slow cooker for the main cooking process, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent.
3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed aromatics, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if desired), red wine (optional), and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
4. Set and Forget: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve with Perfection: Discard the bay leaves and spoon the flavorful meat sauce over cooked spaghetti.

Troubleshooting

• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid of the slow cooker and cook on high for a longer time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or beef broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is bland: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Add different vegetables to the sauce, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced carrots.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a brighter flavor.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Old Fashioned Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad and some garlic bread. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, a potluck, or any time you want a comforting and flavorful dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of 1 1/2 cups of spaghetti with sauce. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 450-500
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 60-70mg
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-55g
• Fiber: Approximately 4-5g
• Sugar: Approximately 10-12g
• Sodium: Approximately 700-800mg (may vary depending on the type of canned tomatoes and tomato sauce used)

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of meat), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this spaghetti sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I cook this spaghetti sauce on the stovetop?

A: Yes, you can cook the sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 1-2 hours, or until thickened.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

A: Absolutely! You can use about 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped, instead of the canned tomatoes.