Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Servings: 6-8
WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL:
The “Holy Trinity” base (onion, garlic, herbs) builds incredible flavor
Red wine & broth create a luxurious, complex sauce
Slow simmering tenderizes the meat and marries all the flavors
STEP-BY-STEP SECRETS:
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MEAT MAGIC
- Use 80/20 ground beef for perfect fat content (or mix beef+lamb!)
- Get that deep brown crust on the meat – don’t stir too much!
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LAYER THE FLAVORS
- After browning meat, add onions and sweat them slowly (5 mins)
- Garlic goes in last to prevent burning
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SIMMER LIKE NONNA
- Deglaze with red wine (Cabernet or Chianti work great)
- Add 1 Parmesan rind while simmering for umami boost (remove before serving)
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PASTA PERFECTION
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than package says
- Finish cooking pasta in the sauce with reserved starchy water
CHEF’S TIPS:
Make it ahead – tastes even better next day!
Freezer-friendly – sauce keeps 3 months
Spice it up with ½ tsp fennel seeds for sausage-like flavor
