After a long day at work, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a comforting and delicious meal ready to be enjoyed. Our “After Work Spaghetti Sauce” recipe is the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This hearty sauce is simple to make, bursting with flavor, and pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. Let’s dive into how to create this quick and tasty dish.
**After Work Spaghetti Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. **Add Onions and Garlic:** To the cooked ground beef, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. **Incorporate Tomatoes:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, combining everything well. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
4. **Season the Sauce:** Add the dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
5. **Simmer to Perfection:** Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it’s ready to be served over your favorite cooked pasta. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch of deliciousness.
**Tips:**
– Feel free to customize the sauce by adding in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
– For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
– Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze the leftovers in portioned containers for quick and easy meals in the future.
With this “After Work Spaghetti Sauce” recipe, you can enjoy a homemade dinner that’s both satisfying and convenient. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs will fill your kitchen, welcoming you to sit down and unwind after a busy day. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, give this recipe a try and savor the comforting flavors of a homemade pasta sauce without the extra fuss.
