Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce is a cherished recipe that has delighted families for generations. This sauce, packed with rich flavors and a perfect balance of ingredients, transforms an ordinary pasta dish into an extraordinary meal. With its hearty texture and mouthwatering aroma, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in many homes. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
There are countless spaghetti sauce recipes out there, but Ma Hunsicker’s stands out for several reasons. First, the blend of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The use of extra-lean ground beef ensures a healthier option without compromising taste. Additionally, the long simmering time allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a sauce that is both hearty and well-seasoned. This sauce is not just food; it’s an experience, filled with nostalgia and comfort. You’ll find that once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought versions again.
Ingredients About Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce
To create this delightful sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds extra-lean (94%) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 cup red wine
- 5 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (8 ounce) package white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as LAWRY’S®), or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, or to taste
How to Make Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce Directions
Creating Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce may take some time, but the process is straightforward. Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pot, cooking and stirring until it’s browned and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. As the beef cooks, prepare a large skillet by melting butter over medium heat. In this skillet, combine the chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook these vegetables until they soften, which will take another 5 to 7 minutes. Once they are tender, combine them with the browned beef in the large pot.
Next, it’s time to add the core flavors that will make this sauce unforgettable. Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Incorporate the chopped garlic, white sugar, dried oregano, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley into the mixture. It’s crucial to bring this blend to a boil, so watch for bubbling as you stir. After it has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer. This step is vital; it allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop further. Make sure to stir the sauce frequently, letting it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours. The result will be a thick, fragrant sauce that is truly irresistible.
How to Serve Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce
When it comes to serving Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce, the possibilities are endless. The most traditional choice is to pair it with your favorite pasta, whether that be spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Cook the pasta separately, following the package directions, and once al dente, toss it in the sauce for a beautiful blend of flavors. You might consider topping each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.
To elevate your dining experience, serve the spaghetti alongside a crisp green salad and some garlic bread, ensuring your meal is satisfying and complete. The sauce also makes for a great filling in lasagna, a delicious topping for pizza, or even as a hearty dip for crusty bread. Whatever way you choose to enjoy it, this sauce is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Expert Tips: Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce
To make Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce even better, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly. Try to use local produce when possible.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your personal taste. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer sweeter sauces, a bit more sugar can help.
- Longer Simmer for Rich Flavor: The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Plan accordingly and let it simmer low and slow for at least 3 hours.
- Batch Cooking: Consider making a larger batch to freeze some for later. This sauce freezes beautifully, allowing you to have a homemade meal ready to go.
- Leftover Creativity: Use leftovers in creative ways! Mix the sauce into casseroles, use it as a filling for stuffed peppers, or serve it over baked potatoes for a unique twist.
How to Store Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce
Storing your homemade Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce is easy. Once it’s cooled down, transfer the sauce to airtight containers. If you plan to use it within a week, you can store it in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s in a separate portion for easy reheating. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Divide the sauce into portions and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label each container with the date so you can keep track of freshness. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Variation of Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce
While Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce is amazing on its own, there are plenty of variations to try. Here are a few ideas to switch up the flavors:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty yet meat-free option. You can still use all the same vegetables and seasonings for that familiar taste.
- Spicy Twist: Add finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet during the cooking process if you enjoy a little heat in your sauce.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs can be added towards the end of cooking for a burst of color and flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some ricotta or cream cheese just before serving for a creamy texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garden Fresh: Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a fresh take and added nutrition.
FAQ
What makes Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce special?
Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce is special because of its rich blend of flavors from fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices combined with quality meat, simmered to perfection for hours.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this sauce vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or more mushrooms, while keeping all the veggies and seasonings intact.
How long can I store Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce in the fridge?
You can keep the sauce in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option.
What should I serve Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce with?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta. You can also use it in dishes like lasagna, on pizza, or as a dip with bread.
Can I freeze Ma Hunsicker’s Spaghetti Sauce?
Absolutely! This sauce freezes well. Just be sure it’s cooled, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for future meals.
Ma Hunsicker's Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-lean (94%) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 cup red wine
- 5 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 package (8 ounce) white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 each onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounce) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 can (28 ounce) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (6 ounce) tomato paste
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or to taste
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as LAWRY’S®) or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef to the pot, cooking and stirring until it’s browned and crumbly (about 5 to 7 minutes).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften (5 to 7 minutes).
- Combine the softened vegetables with the browned beef in the large pot.
Cooking
- Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped garlic, white sugar, dried oregano, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 hours.
Serving
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
- Pair with a green salad and garlic bread, or use in lasagna or on pizza.
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