Classic Contadina Spaghetti Sauce
Versatile and delicious made with Italian sausage or ground beef. The mushrooms give this sauce extra depth of flavor.
1 lb. lean ground beef or sweet or spicy Italian sausage (casings removed), or a combination
1 can (8 oz.) Del Monte® Mushroom Stems and Pieces, drained, optional
1 cup diced onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 can (28 oz.) Contadina® Crushed Tomatoes
1 can (15 oz.) Contadina® Tomato Sauce
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves or 3/4 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
1 lb. uncooked spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Combine beef, mushrooms, onion and garlic in a large, high-sided skillet. Cook 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring until meat is browned and crumbly and onion is softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, uncovered, 20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return spaghetti to pot.
Add half the sauce (about 3 cups) to the spaghetti and toss to coat. Serve pasta topped with more sauce and Parmesan cheese.
VARIATIONS
Prepare recipe as directed, except:
For Spicy Spaghetti Sauce, add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flakes in Step 2.
For Creamy Spaghetti Sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream after 30 minute simmer. Do not boil.
For Veggie Spaghetti Sauce, omit meat and add 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup sliced celery, 1 can (15 oz.) white or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, in Step 1.