Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

There are many nights when I’m in the mood for a hearty pasta dish but only have around 45 minutes to spare. On these nights, one of my go-to-meals is spaghetti with an easy meat sauce. This can be made with ground beef, pork or turkey. The red wine really helps to add flavor and depth while the basil brings a nice freshness. When choosing a store bought tomato sauce, I’m a fan of Classico. It’s both gluten & dairy-free and it really has a pleasant taste and texture.

Serves 4
start to finish: 45 minutes

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef, pork or turkey
• ⅓ cup red wine
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 32 oz jar of Classico tomato sauce, (I used tomato & basil)
• ¼ cup of water
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and savory)
• ¼ tsp thyme
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• garlic salt and black pepper to taste
• 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 16 oz. brown rice pasta

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes, then add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Mix in the ground beef and continue cooking and stirring until the meat is brown and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Pour in the red wine and allow to cook until the wine has nearly evaporated.

Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, thyme, red pepper flakes. Mix well, then season with garlic salt and pepper. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes. Add fresh basil and additional garlic salt and pepper (if needed).

Serve over cooked pasta and enjoy!