Make-Ahead Spaghetti Sauce: Perfect for Busy Families
For busy families, finding the time to cook a nutritious meal can be a struggle. With after-school activities, work commitments, and other responsibilities, it can be challenging to find the time to prepare a home-cooked meal. However, with a little bit of planning and the right recipe, it is possible to have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. Make-ahead spaghetti sauce is a perfect solution for busy families who want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress of cooking every night.
Make-ahead spaghetti sauce is a versatile and convenient recipe that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. By making a large batch of sauce, you can save time and effort on busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal. This sauce is perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or any other Italian dish that calls for a hearty tomato sauce.
The key to a delicious make-ahead spaghetti sauce is in the ingredients. By using a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and quality tomatoes, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that will satisfy the whole family. The best part is that you can customize the sauce to your liking by adding extra vegetables, meat, or spices to suit your family’s tastes.
To make things even easier, here is a simple and delicious make-ahead spaghetti sauce recipe that you can prepare in advance and enjoy whenever you need a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 lb ground beef (optional)
– 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
– 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
– 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
– Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper and sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. If using ground beef, add it to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, you can simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.
4. Once the sauce has cooked and cooled, divide it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. When ready to use, simply heat the desired amount of sauce in a pot and serve over cooked pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna or any other Italian dish. Top with fresh basil and parsley for a burst of freshness.
By making this make-ahead spaghetti sauce, you can enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having a delicious and nutritious meal waiting for you in the refrigerator or freezer. With just a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress and hassle of cooking every night. Give it a try and see how this recipe can simplify your busy life while keeping your family well-fed and happy.