Flavor-Packed Beefy Marinara Delight
Elevate your pasta night with this robust and hearty Beefy Marinara Delight. This masterpiece transforms any standard bottled sauce into a culinary experience brimming with flavor. The combination of sautéed ground beef, aromatic garlic, and savory spices, paired with top-notch marinara, will have your taste buds dancing. For the best results, prepare this sauce a day or two in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. While canned mushrooms are an option, we highly recommend using fresh, sautéed mushrooms for an added depth of flavor. Serve over your favorite pasta, and relish the satisfaction of a homemade meal that's quick to prepare yet impressive enough for entertaining.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (optional or adjust to heat level)
grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (optional)
marinara sauce
2 (26 ounce) jars (or use any preferred meatless pasta sauce)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), followed by the can of drained mushrooms (or freshly sautéed mushrooms). Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are heated through.
3
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) until melted and combined. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
4
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5
Halfway through the cooking time, season with salt, fresh ground black pepper, and sugar (if desired). Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavor-Packed Beefy Marinara Delight?
It is a robust and hearty beef sauce designed to elevate standard bottled marinara into a gourmet culinary experience.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use one medium onion that has been chopped.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Are red pepper flakes mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
How much Parmesan cheese should I add?
You can add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, though it is optional.
What type of marinara sauce is best?
You can use two 26-ounce jars of your favorite marinara or any preferred meatless pasta sauce.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Is sugar necessary for the sauce?
The 1 teaspoon of sugar is optional and can be added if desired to balance the flavors.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
Browning the beef and onions takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
How long should I cook the garlic?
The garlic should be stirred and cooked for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
What is the total simmering time?
The sauce should simmer for 45 to 60 minutes.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should simmer uncovered to allow it to thicken and the flavors to concentrate.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
The seasonings should be added halfway through the cooking time.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, for best results, prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator.
What kind of mushrooms can I use?
You can use a can of drained mushrooms or freshly sautéed mushrooms.
Are fresh mushrooms better than canned?
While canned is an option, fresh sautéed mushrooms are highly recommended for added depth of flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking?
Stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering on low heat.
Do I need to drain the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef and onions.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
After bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer on medium, you should reduce the heat to low.
What can I serve this marinara with?
This sauce is perfect served over your favorite type of pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as impressive enough for entertaining while still being quick to prepare.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
Fresh ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this a spicy recipe?
It has a slight kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust them to your own heat level.
What is the benefit of resting the sauce in the fridge?
Resting the sauce allows the various flavors to meld perfectly together.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
What cuisine style is this sauce?
The recipe is categorized under Italian and homemade pasta sauces.
When should the Parmesan be added?
The Parmesan cheese should be stirred in after the garlic and mushrooms but before pouring in the marinara sauce.
Should I adjust seasonings before serving?
Yes, you should always adjust the seasonings to taste right before serving.