American Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty American spaghetti sauce packed with ground meat, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season ground meat and cook until brown.
- Remove from heat.
- Finely chop celery, onion, and bell pepper.
- Put chopped vegetables in a skillet with margarine.
- Pour the can of tomato soup over the vegetables and let simmer about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Combine the vegetable mixture with the cooked ground meat.
- Cook the mixture on low heat for about 3 hours, or until very tender.
- When the sauce is almost cooked, add the Velveeta cheese and cook until melted.
- Cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce.
- If desired, add olives and mushrooms from small bottles.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your American spaghetti sauce, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or a meat alternative. For a creamier texture, try using cream cheese instead of Velveeta. Additionally, sauté the garlic before adding it to the sauce to deepen its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the American spaghetti sauce hot over cooked spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting dessert, consider serving with Memere Bernard'S Grape Nut Pudding for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 346 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary, so adjust the amount based on your preference for creaminess.
Is it necessary to cook the sauce for 3 hours?
While 3 hours allows for deep flavor development and tenderness, you can reduce the cooking time to 1-2 hours if you're short on time. Just ensure the meat is well-cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and add them to the skillet with the other vegetables for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).