A good meat sauce can be used in so many ways - to make spaghetti bolognaise, lasagne, nachos, on toast, with rice or mashed spuds or as sloppy joes. This version is the basic way I made meat sauce for years, and is still how the youngest of my now grown kids prefers it. I'll post the other version next time I make it.
Method:
Heat a little oil in a suitable pot. Brown the mince, breaking it up as it cooks. In a blender, combine all other ingredients and whiz (skip this step if you don't mind pieces of tomato and skin visible in the sauce). Pour tomato mix into pot of browned mince, stir, bring to boil, then turn to low and simmer for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally.
Cook with the lid off if you want it thick, as for bolognaise or nachos. Cook with the lid on if you want more moisture retained, as for lasagne. Or if you're cooking up sauce to use later or freeze, do it with the lid on, as additional moisture will be driven off when reheating later.
This is a good dish to make up in bulk and freeze in portions.
Heat a little oil in a suitable pot. Brown the mince, breaking it up as it cooks. In a blender, combine all other ingredients and whiz (skip this step if you don't mind pieces of tomato and skin visible in the sauce). Pour tomato mix into pot of browned mince, stir, bring to boil, then turn to low and simmer for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally.
Cook with the lid off if you want it thick, as for bolognaise or nachos. Cook with the lid on if you want more moisture retained, as for lasagne. Or if you're cooking up sauce to use later or freeze, do it with the lid on, as additional moisture will be driven off when reheating later.
This is a good dish to make up in bulk and freeze in portions.
| Ingredients: (Serves 6-8) 1kg beef mince 1 can tomatoes, any kind (or 2 cups of chopped tomatoes) 2 cups tomato sauce - I like Budget/Value brand for this 1 tsp beef stock powder OR 1 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp dried oregano |  |
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For spaghetti bolognaise: In a separate pot, boil plenty of water. Add salt and a glug of oil, then spaghetti noodles, and cook until al dente. If you're not sure when they're done, throw one at the wall - if it sticks, they're cooked. :-). Some years ago, my children were staying with friends and my then about 12 yo daughter was helping their daughter cook a meal. They were making pasta, and the other girl wanted to know how to tell when it was done. My daughter demonstrated by throwing some at the wall, just as the father of the family walked in!! ROFL Apparently they were unfamiliar with this Italian trick. ;-) Anyway, once cooked, drain your pasta, then serve portions on plates, topped with meat sauce, and grated cheese or sour cream (optional).
To make nachos: Pile corn chips onto plates and serve as above. (No need to throw any at the wall - they come cooked. ;-) )
For lasagne: Cook a packet of lasagne pasta. Drain. Grate lots of cheese. Layer in a small roasting dish as follows: 1/3 meat sauce, 1/2 pasta, 1/3 cheese, 1/3 meat sauce, 1/2 pasta, 1/3 cheese, remaining meat sauce, remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake 180C/350F for 45 mins, removing foil after 30 mins.
To make nachos: Pile corn chips onto plates and serve as above. (No need to throw any at the wall - they come cooked. ;-) )
For lasagne: Cook a packet of lasagne pasta. Drain. Grate lots of cheese. Layer in a small roasting dish as follows: 1/3 meat sauce, 1/2 pasta, 1/3 cheese, 1/3 meat sauce, 1/2 pasta, 1/3 cheese, remaining meat sauce, remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake 180C/350F for 45 mins, removing foil after 30 mins.
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