Arne'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 30 min Cook: 240 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, savory spaghetti sauce packed with ground beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 3 large onions
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 green pepper
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 small cans tomato puree
  • 3 small cans tomato paste
  • 1 (4 oz) can mushroom stems and pieces
  • 1 small can boned chicken
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown onions, garlic, and green pepper in a skillet.
  2. Brown ground beef in a separate pan.
  3. Combine the cooked vegetables and beef in a large kettle.
  4. Add tomato puree, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup water to the kettle.
  5. Simmer the mixture for 3 hours.
  6. Cool the sauce overnight.
  7. Before serving, add mushroom stems and pieces, and boned chicken to the sauce.
  8. Simmer for an additional hour before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the sauce during simmering. You can substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water added or simmer it longer. Don't rush the cooling process; allowing it to rest overnight improves the taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Breasts Primavera or a side of Zouppa Firenze for a delightful Italian feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Arne'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 258 calories, with 11g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 691mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

258 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.7g 21% DV
Total Fat 12.5g 16% DV
Carbs 26.9g 10% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 7.3g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 690.5mg 30% DV
Potassium 600.2mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 21.6mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 11mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 39.9mg 3% DV
Iron 3.3mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce actually tastes better when made ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.

What can I substitute for the boned chicken?

If you prefer not to use boned chicken, you can omit it entirely or use shredded rotisserie chicken as a convenient alternative. It will still add a nice texture to the sauce.

How can I make this sauce vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor.

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).

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