Semi-Homemade Mushroom & Meat Marinara

I used to make my own marinara sauce, but I haven’t had as much time lately…what with the toddler and infant and all ;) I tried going back to regular store bought sauce from a jar, but after having the homemade version the store bought version tasted like it was missing something. So this is what I do to make it almost like homemade…


1 lb Lean ground beef
1/2 an onion, diced small
3 garlic cloves, diced small
1 TBS dried basil
1 TBS dried oregano
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 Cup sliced mushrooms
3 TBS red wine (optional)
1 Jar store bought marinara sauce
Your favorite pasta, cooked
In a mixing bowl combine ground beef, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to even distribute everything though out the meat. Place in a skillet or large sauté pan. Cook on medium high heat breaking up the ground beef as it browns.  When the meat is browned and onions are translucent drain the fat from the meat and return to stove. Add sliced mushrooms and red wine and stir frequently for two to three minutes (you could also add other veggies here…like zucchini). Add jar of marinara sauce and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for at least ten minutes (I like to let it simmer for about 20 minutes when I have time) stirring occasionally.

Serve sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy :)