I went through a period of using ground chicken or turkey, and I used ground beef for a long time. Now I use a combo of ground beef and pork. Ground beef is expensive, of course, but I get the ground pork in a 1 lb roll from Aldi, and it’s usually less than $3. So the pork really fills out the meat portion, and adds a lot of flavor.
Seasoning is important, and chefs talk about three levels of seasoning. First you season the olive oil in the pot as it heats up before before you toss in the meat. Then season the meat as it browns, then season it again when you add the crushed tomatoes.
You will have to balance the seasoning a bunch of times after that, until it tastes right. If you feel like you’re close to right, but you can’t put a finger on it, you probably need to add more salt, or more garlic powder. Add in small amounts until it tastes right, and don’t judge it right after you add them. Wait a few minutes for it to cook in, and then re-taste and evaluate.
If you like a spicy or Arrabiata sauce, add lots of red pepper flakes and cayenne.
Again, no rules, use what you like.
I went through a period of using ground chicken or turkey, and I used ground beef for a long time. Now I use a combo of ground beef and pork. Ground beef is expensive, of course, but I get the ground pork in a 1 lb roll from Aldi, and it’s usually less than $3. So the pork really fills out the meat portion, and adds a lot of flavor.
Seasoning is important, and chefs talk about three levels of seasoning. First you season the olive oil in the pot as it heats up before before you toss in the meat. Then season the meat as it browns, then season it again when you add the crushed tomatoes.
You will have to balance the seasoning a bunch of times after that, until it tastes right. If you feel like you’re close to right, but you can’t put a finger on it, you probably need to add more salt, or more garlic powder. Add in small amounts until it tastes right, and don’t judge it right after you add them. Wait a few minutes for it to cook in, and then re-taste and evaluate.
If you like a spicy or Arrabiata sauce, add lots of red pepper flakes and cayenne.