Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Family favorite! Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce Recipe mixes ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and herbs for a comforting, flavorful pasta sauce.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Small bowl for mixing meat (optional)
- Stove and oven (optional for finishing baked dishes)
Ingredients
Meats and Base:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 lb 450g Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced (optional for sweetness)
Tomatoes and Sauce:
- 2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or red wine optional for richness
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meats
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add diced onions (and bell pepper if using) to the pan with the meat. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Add Tomato Base
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and drained diced tomatoes. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
- Add sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well. If using, add water or red wine to adjust consistency.
Step 5: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or sugar is perfect.
Step 7: Serve or Store
- Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. The sauce can also be used for baked ziti, lasagna, or stuffed shells.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering—it’s what develops depth.
- Brown meats thoroughly for richer flavor.
- Taste throughout; adjust salt, sugar, or herbs as needed.
- Optional: add a splash of red wine for extra richness.