There's no need to purchase store-bought sauce, with this hearty and flavorful Homemade Spaghetti Sauce. Simple ingredients such as ground beef, onion, garlic, and spices of oregano and basil bring a bold flavor to this simple sauce.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into 4 equal parts to brown for 3 minutes. Begin breaking the ground beef down into bits and cooking until it's completely browned, about 5 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the skillet and transfer it to a side plate. If using a fattier version of ground beef drain half the grease leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons.
Bring the heat down to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and chopped onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions become fragrant and translucent. Place the minced garlic in the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, which brings out the flavors of the paste.
Pour the crushed (or diced) tomatoes, water, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the skillet and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the grated parmesan to the sauce and serve over pasta. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
For a thicker sauce: add additional tomato paste and continue to let simmer until it begins to thicken.For a thinner sauce: stir in more water and let it heat.