Simple Meat Sauce - Ready in 30 Minutes

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 1 medium Onion (chopped, about 1/2 cup)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced or pressed)
• 1 pound Ground Beef (lean (90% lean) for lower fat)
• 1 can (28 oz) Canned Plum Tomatoes (pureed in food processor until smooth)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (adds depth and thickens sauce)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
• 12 ounces Spaghetti (dry weight, about 340g)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   Open the canned plum tomatoes and puree them in a food processor until completely smooth. While the processor runs, chop the onion and mince the garlic.

   Time: PT5M

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

   Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring constantly, until the onion turns golden brown, about 2‑3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium-high heat

3. Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the 1‑pound lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it sit for a minute before stirring, then continue to cook, turning occasionally, until all pink is gone and the meat is nicely browned, about 3‑4 minutes.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: medium-high heat

4. Add Tomatoes and Paste

   Stir in the pureed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until the paste is fully incorporated.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Simmer the Sauce

   Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. If using, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley halfway through.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: medium heat

6. Cook the Spaghetti

   While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Return the drained spaghetti to the pot or a serving bowl. Add a generous ladle of the meat sauce, toss with tongs to coat evenly, then top with additional sauce as desired.

   Time: PT2M

8. Serve

   Plate the spaghetti, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and garnish with extra chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if you like.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

410

Protein

22g

Carbohydrates

55g

Fat

12g

Fiber

4g