Learn how to prepare a delightful spaghetti and meat sauce for a family of four without breaking the bank. Discover tips and tricks from experienced cooks on saving money while enjoying great meals at home.
Have you ever wanted to cook a delicious meal for your family without spending a fortune? Tonight on the Porch, we’ll explore how to make spaghetti and meat sauce for under $20, with insights from seasoned cooks Lynnette and Curtis. They share valuable tips on budgeting, ingredient selection, and cooking techniques that can help you create an amazing dinner without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this budget-friendly dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Pasta (we used Spaghetti)
- 2 onions
- 1 clove of garlic
- Spices (your choice - we used basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, fennel, salt and pepper)
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Ground pork (a cheaper alternative to ground beef)
This entire meal can be prepared for about $15.60, making it perfect for feeding a family of four.
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your ingredients. Curtis and Lynnette emphasize keeping garlic and onions separate to avoid overcooking the garlic, which can lead to bitterness. To prepare:
- Chop the onions and garlic, seperating them to maintain their individual flavours.
- Remember that onions should be sweated until translucent, which brings out their natural sugars, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Step 2: Cooking the Sauce
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to cook the sauce:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and add the onions, stirring until they are translucent.
2. Introduce the ground pork to the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Once the meat is browned, add the crushed tomatoes and season with your chosen spices.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavours meld together.
Pro Tip: Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Using ground pork instead of ground beef not only saves money but also allows for a delicious sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavour. Consider shopping for seasonal vegetables to incorporate into your sauce or as a side dish, as they are often cheaper and fresher.
Step 3: Cooking the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, cook the pasta:
- Boil water in a separate pot and add salt to enhance the flavour of the pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente.
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce, or serve the sauce over the pasta on individual plates.
Cooking for your family doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can whip up a delicious spaghetti and meat sauce for under $20. Remember to keep it simple, use ingredients on sale, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavours.
Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know and we will make more cooking segments. Share your ideas at bringbacktheporch.com
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