Savory 70's Spaghetti Meat Sauce
This classic Savory 70's Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a cherished recipe that has stood the test of time. Rich in flavor and perfect for pasta lovers, this hearty sauce combines ground beef with a medley of onions and garlic, simmered to perfection with tomatoes and herbs. It's not just great fresh – this sauce gets even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or as a comforting dish for gatherings. Whether you're serving it over spaghetti, using it for lasagna, or keeping it on hand for a quick weeknight meal, this sauce is a delicious staple you'll want to make again and again. And for home canners looking to preserve that nostalgic flavor, this recipe scales beautifully for batch preparation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1.5 lbs (N/A)
Onion
1 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-4 (Minced)
Tomato paste
2 (6 ounce) cans (N/A)
Diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (With juice)
Water
3 cups (N/A)
Salt
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Sweet basil
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Oregano
1-2 teaspoons (N/A)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Oil
2 tablespoons (Use if using extra lean meat)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary, to reduce greasiness.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5
Season the mixture with salt, sweet basil, sugar, oregano, and pepper. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer. Cover the skillet partially to avoid spattering, and allow it to cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
8
Serve over your favorite pasta or use the sauce as a filling for lasagna. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory 70's Spaghetti Meat Sauce?
This is a classic, hearty meat sauce rich in flavor, combining ground beef with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
How much ground beef is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1.5 lbs of ground beef for this recipe.
Can I use extra lean meat for this sauce?
Yes, if you use extra lean meat, the recipe suggests adding 2 tablespoons of oil.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 to 4 cloves of minced garlic.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
You should use between 2 and 4 minced garlic cloves.
What types of tomato products are required?
The recipe uses two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste and one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with juice.
How long does the spaghetti sauce need to simmer?
It should simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Why does the recipe call for 3 cups of water?
Water is added to help the sauce simmer for a long period and reach the desired thick consistency.
Can I use this meat sauce for lasagna?
Yes, this sauce is excellent as a filling for lasagna or served over your favorite pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully for batch preparation and is suitable for home canning.
Does the sauce taste better the next day?
Yes, this sauce is known to get even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
What herbs provide the flavor in this 70s sauce?
The main herbs used are sweet basil and oregano.
Why is sugar added to the meat sauce?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How many cans of tomato paste are needed?
You will need two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be chopped to yield approximately 1 cup.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
At what temperature should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat.
What should I serve the sauce over?
You can serve it over spaghetti or any of your favorite pasta varieties.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
How much oregano should be added?
You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of oregano depending on your preference.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allowing the sauce to simmer for the full 2 hours will help it thicken to the desired consistency.
Is this sauce good for meal prep?
Yes, because it tastes better the next day, it is ideal for meal prep.
How can I prevent the sauce from spattering while cooking?
Partially cover the skillet with a lid while it is simmering.
How do I cook the ground beef initially?
Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe that has stood the test of time.
How should the garlic cloves be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the skillet.
What specific type of basil is used?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of sweet basil.
Can I adjust the seasonings at the end?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the seasonings before serving.
How much oil is needed for lean meat?
Use 2 tablespoons of oil if you are using extra lean ground beef.