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Sheri

My "Go to" Easy Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 74
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil to help brown the lean meat
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef 93% lean preferred
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste for concentrated flavor
  • 3 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 chopped onion or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if not using fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to reduce acidity, optional
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water to thin out the sauce as needed

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat completely.
  2. Once the meat is browned, push it to the side of the pan. In the open space, add the tomato paste and fry it for about 1-2 minutes to develop a deeper flavor (a family tradition!).
  3. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, salt, garlic powder (if using), onion powder (if not using fresh onion), dried basil, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
  5. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, if desired.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens. Cook low and slow until you are ready - the longer the better!
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.