Spaghetti / Pasta Sauce

JustJanS's Note:

This is the sauce I've been making for years. It doesn't make a huge quantity, but is easily doubled etc. I think it needs to be simmered for a long time to develop the flavour. I would serve this over any pasta or spaghetti shapes I have on hand and I also use this in my lasagnas. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, celery or a little grated carrot if you wish. I do sometimes, but find we like this simple recipe the best.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 g beef mince, leanest you can buy
• 2 tablespoons bell peppers, finely chopped
• 1 (140 g) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 (440 g) can chopped tomatoes, and their juice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch mixed pumpkin spice or 1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large fry pan over a medium heat.
2. Add the onion and bacon and cook until the onion is golden and tender.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook a couple of minutes more.
4. Add the mince and cook, breaking up with a fork, until the meat has all changed colour.
5. Add the bell pepper and cook for a minute or two.
6. Now add the tomato paste and"cook it out" for another minute or two before adding the wine.
7. Allow the wine to reduce a little, before adding the remaining sauce ingredients.
8. Simmer until reduced and a deep rich red/ brown.
9. *You could call this "cooked" in 30 minutes, but I like to let it simmer about 2 hours, stirring regularly to make sure it's not catching.
10. Add a little more broth or water if it looks like doing so.

Reviews

[JoyfulCook]

A delightful Spaghetti sauce, we really enjoyed the flavour so much, wine is always a great ingredient and we are then able to enjoy the rest of the bottle with our dinner.

I did not have any thyme in the pantry so added some Italian seasoning in place of it. absolutely on our list to make again, thanks so much Jan

[Boomette]

I let the sauce simmer for almost 1 hour and a half. We felt it was thick enough for our taste. I used a very small red bell peppers. The red wine gives a great taste. Me and DH always like red wine in spaghetti sauce. Great mix of spices. I had to use a can of tomato puree. I didn't have diced tomatoes. I'm sure it would be better with diced tomatoes. I'll try another time. But even like that, it's really good. Thanks Jan :) Made for MakeMyRecipe tag game

[Milking Mom]

I have made this recipe 4 or 5 times and it is fantastic every time. We love the deep meaty flavor from the beef broth. It is always good with more peppers and red wine. Love it!