Zhuzh Up Jar Pasta Sauce (Print-Friendly Version)
Transform jarred pasta sauce using savory additions for a richer, more vibrant weeknight dinner.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Base Sauce Components
01 -
15 ml olive oil
02 -
1/2 large white onion, diced into 1.25 cm pieces
03 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
450 g ground beef
05 -
1 jar pasta sauce (approximately 700 ml), such as Rao's or Mezzetta
06 -
425 g canned diced tomatoes
→ Seasonings and Enhancements
07 -
13 g raw cane sugar
08 -
15 ml balsamic vinegar
09 -
1 g dried oregano
10 -
1 g dried basil
11 -
0.5 g red pepper flakes
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
20 g grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
13 -
8 g chopped fresh parsley
14 -
8 g fresh basil, chiffonade
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
02 -
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned throughout.
04 -
Carefully drain excess fat if required. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add pasta sauce and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir in cane sugar, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
05 -
Let the mixture simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.
06 -
Stir in grated parmesan and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve sauce hot over your choice of cooked pasta or vegetables, garnishing with extra parmesan and basil.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a richer texture, consider adding a splash of reserved pasta cooking water before serving.