Spaghetti meat sauce recipe

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound (about 450g) spaghetti
• Salt, for the pasta water

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the pan. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and is lightly browned.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will develop. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.