A rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce that brings the comfort of home cooking to your table.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Use a sharp knife for precise cuts and to avoid crushing the onion.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Break up the beef into small pieces for even cooking and better texture.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated to avoid clumps.
Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Simmer the sauce on low heat for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Cover the pot partially to prevent splattering while allowing the sauce to reduce.
Remove the bay leaf and serve the sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Warm the pasta before serving to ensure the dish stays hot.