The Best Weeknight Pasta Sauce

The Best Weeknight Pasta Sauce

6 servings
This rich and subtle pasta sauce is incredibly easy, which has earned it the title of The Best Weeknight Pasta Sauce in my house!Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Ingredients

  • ground beef

    $3.16

    ½ lb.
  • olive oil

    $0.19

    1 tbsp
  • onion

    $0.39

    1 small
  • butter

    $0.24

    2 tbsp
  • crushed tomatoes)

    $1.52 (1 can

    28 oz.
  • italian seasoning blend

    $0.05

    ½ tsp
  • black pepper

    freshly cracked, $0.05

  • salt
    to taste, $0.02

Directions

  1. 1

    Add the ground beef and olive oil to a pot and sauté over medium until the beef is cooked through (about 5 minutes). If you're using a higher fat content beef (10% or higher), you may want to drain the excess fat once the beef has browned.

  2. 2

    While the beef is cooking, finely dice the onion. Add the diced onion and butter to the cooked beef. Continue to sauté until the onion is soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

  3. 3

    Next, add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning blend, and some freshly cracked pepper (10-15 cranks of a pepper mill). Stir everything to combine.

  4. 4

    Place a lid on the pot and allow it to come up to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    After a minimum of 30 minutes simmering, add about ½ tsp salt, stir to combine, then taste and add more if needed. The flavor of the sauce will deepen and the complexities will pop once the salt is added. Serve over pasta or your favorite roasted vegetables.

The Best Weeknight Pasta Sauce

The Best Weeknight Pasta Sauce

4.6(46)45 min6 servings198 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 46 ratings

budgetbytes.com
4.6(46 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Tired of bland weeknight dinners? Discover "The Best Weeknight Pasta Sauce," a rich and satisfying homemade sauce that comes together effortlessly, earning its name as a family favorite.

This recipe stands out for its incredible ease and depth of flavor, proving that a truly satisfying pasta sauce doesn't require hours of simmering. The secret lies in a simple combination of savory ground beef, sweet crushed tomatoes, and a touch of butter, creating a subtle richness that makes every bite memorable.

Prepare for a truly comforting experience with this pasta sauce. You'll find a beautifully balanced flavor profile—not overly acidic, thanks to the butter, and wonderfully savory from the seasoned ground beef. The texture is hearty yet refined, perfect for coating your favorite pasta. It's designed to be straightforward, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish, and delivers a generous six servings, each coming in at a modest 198 calories.

Customization & Variations

While fantastic as written, this versatile recipe welcomes your personal touch. For a lighter take, consider using ground turkey or even lentils instead of ground beef. If you don't have Italian seasoning blend on hand, a pinch of dried oregano and basil will work beautifully. A touch of red pepper flakes could also add a welcome subtle heat if you enjoy a little spice.

This incredibly easy pasta sauce is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family. Simply toss it with your favorite cooked pasta and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan for a complete and delicious dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions