This post is brought to you by Le Creuset // Guys. For the last few weeks I have had the most beautiful Le Creuset Dutch oven just sitting in my kitchen. I had big plans for that baby but it slowly got pushed back behind more urgent projects, until today. This veggie packed pasta sauce is my secret weapon when it comes to getting more vegetables into my families diet. Ok, so technically I don’t have to work too hard being sneaky since my five year old will basically eat anything under the sun, but I happen to have a picky palate.
All of the flavors seem to just melt together. I’m sure it has something to do with simmering for over an hour. Smoother a hand full of spaghetti noodles in this delicious marinara, add some meatballs or baked chicken, and sprinkle with a little fresh Parmesan and you have yourself the perfect meal. Oh, and one thing I need to mention… IT’S FREEZER FRIENDLY! Make a double batch for an even easier weeknight meal.
We love to use Italian sausage (sweet mild if the babe is going to be eating, and spicy if it’s just for me and my hubby) but really you can even use regular hamburger. Once you’ve chosen your meat it’s time to get things rolling.
Looking for another quick and easy dinner idea? Try my Vegetable Lo Mein!
Heat a little olive oil in a LARGE pan or, in this case, a Le Creuset Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your preferred meat, some onions, and a little garlic.
Brown away and watch in aw as you witness cooking magic happen in the bottom of your pan. I especially love the tan interior. It helped me keep an eye on the cooking process and made it easier to see when things were done cooking. The best part would have to be that NONE of the meat stuck to the bottom. Not one little bit. This is the exact moment that I fell in love. I was fully prepared for the need to add more olive oil or heavily push on the bottom with a spatula to keep things from sticking, but that time never came. It was a beautiful cooking experience that I cannot wait to experience again and again!
Now comes the easy part (as if the first bit wasn’t easy enough). Toss in the diced tomatoes, veggies, and just a couple spices. Simmer, simmer, simmer.
Voila! Just like that you’ve got delicious veggie packed sauce that is ready to cover your favorite pasta! Come back Saturday and snag my recipe for easy Garlic Knots and don’t forget to check out my quick step by step video!
Veggie Packed Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oil in a Le Creuset or large sauce pan. Add the sausage, onions, and garlic. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, carrots, sugar, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook on low heat for at least one hour or until the veggies are soft.
Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines
Friday 27th of February 2015
Your Le Creuset pan is absolutely amazing and what you made in it even more so. The sauce is perfect for these cold, snowy days.
amy @ one artsy mama
Friday 27th of February 2015
Yum! That looks so tasty!
JoDell
Friday 27th of February 2015
This look so delicious! I love that it has so many vegetables in it! Can't wait to try it out!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
Friday 27th of February 2015
A great way to sneak some veggies in. Love the gorgeous Le Creuset pan. I've had my eye on the Caribbean blue one.
Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen
Thursday 26th of February 2015
Now I've got to pull out my le creuset pot and make a batch of sauce!