Mariu's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

An authentic Italian recipe for a savory spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, onion, celery, fresh mushrooms, dried basil, and dried mint.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 626 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound spaghetti
• ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
• ½ cup minced celery
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• ½ teaspoon dried mint
• 6 ounces fresh chopped mushrooms

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over low heat; saute onion, garlic and celery until onion is transparent.

Step 2

Stir in butter and increase heat to medium; brown beef until no longer pink. Mix in sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, mint and mushrooms; lower heat and stir for about 3 minutes.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine tomato paste and broth; pour liquid and basil to pot. Simmer over very low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil with 3 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Slip spaghetti into water holding on to ends until strands soften a bit. Cook over high heat for 7 to 8 minutes only. When properly cooked, raw taste should be gone but still have a firm texture.

Step 5

When ready to serve, combine pasta with meat sauce; serve on a warmed platter or bowl topped with parsley and Romano cheese.