Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (30 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 generous pinch fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and mix well.
- Add the sugar, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seeds, celery salt, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
- Stir thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the fresh basil and fresh parsley and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve hot over freshly cooked spaghetti.
Notes
- This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
- Simmer uncovered longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
