Are you craving a rich, flavorful meat sauce that's perfect for pasta nights, lasagna, or even spooned over a simple slice of crusty bread? Look no further! This Rochester-style meat sauce recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe delivers on all fronts: healthy meals, easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and of course, delicious dishes. It’s a testament to the magic of homemade cooking! Let's get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a fantastic base of flavor for your sauce.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This ensures your sauce isn't overly greasy.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. This is where the magic of homemade cooking truly shines!
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce has simmered to your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Serve over your favorite pasta, use it as a filling for lasagna, or enjoy it as a hearty topping for crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Rochester Meat Sauce:
- Don't rush the simmering process: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your sauce will be greatly enhanced by using good quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preference.
- Add vegetables: For a heartier sauce, add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
Variations:
- Spicy Rochester Meat Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Rochester Meat Sauce: Replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Meatball Rochester Meat Sauce: Add homemade or store-bought meatballs to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. Generally, this recipe provides a good source of protein and fiber.
This Rochester meat sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. It's a testament to the deliciousness of classic, homemade food recipes and exemplifies the best recipes you can easily recreate at home. Enjoy!