Artie'S Homemade Pasta Sauce
Artie'S Homemade Pasta Sauce features a rich blend of tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, and hearty meats, creating a robust and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta lovers. Its depth of flavors makes it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering comfort and authenticity in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onions, bell peppers, parsley, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onions and peppers until onions are clear.
- Add mushrooms, then garlic and parsley to the pot.
- Add ground beef and brown it.
- Pour in tomato sauce, add oregano and salt, and stir.
- Add ketchup and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Bring to a slow boil, then add red wine.
- Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 hours.
- For pasta sauce, add meatballs and sausage during the last hour of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce instead of canned. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked meatballs or sausage. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; try basil or thyme in place of oregano. Adjust the ketchup quantity based on your sweetness preference, and feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sauce over your favorite pasta or use it in dishes like 3 Layer Lasagna. Pair with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for Crescent Lasagna Rolls, making it versatile for various occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Artie'S Homemade Pasta Sauce contains roughly 350 calories, with 23g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), and potassium (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1441mg per serving (63% 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 make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the ground beef and using a variety of vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or eggplant. For added protein, consider adding lentils or chickpeas. This will create a delicious vegetarian sauce that still has great flavor.
How long does this sauce need to cook?
For the best flavor, the sauce should simmer for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking time allows the ingredients to meld together and develop a rich taste. If you're short on time, you can reduce the cooking time to 1 hour, but the flavors may not be as deep.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! This sauce is versatile, and you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also mix in Italian sausage or even use meatballs for a heartier texture, as seen in Italian Meatballs In Spaghetti Sauce.
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).