Aunt Beaulah'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

A flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce with rich tomato, onion, and pepper flavors, perfect for family dinners and meal prep, offering a classic taste of comfort.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 medium onions, chopped
  • 3 sweet peppers, chopped
  • 2 hot peppers, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 package tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooking oil
  • 4 small cans tomato paste (6 oz.)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 tablespoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 3 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook all vegetables (onions, peppers, and garlic) with tomatoes until all are well cooked.
  2. Run the mixture through a food mill to puree.
  3. Mix the rest of the ingredients (tomato paste, sugar, salt, herbs) with the pureed vegetables.
  4. Cook until thick, at least an hour or more.
  5. Remove the bay leaves from the sauce.
  6. Pack the hot sauce into hot jars.
  7. Ensure lids are hot before sealing.
  8. Process the jars in a hot water bath for canning.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan or a splash of red wine while cooking. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the number of hot peppers or add red pepper flakes. For a healthier alternative, swap the sugar with honey or agave syrup. This sauce is versatile and can work as a base for recipes like Easy Pasta Fagioli.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For an Italian-inspired meal, top with grated cheese and fresh basil. You can also use it as a base for Gnocchi(Potato Pasta; Kids Will Love To Help!) or pizza sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Beaulah'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 641 calories, with 14g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 930mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

641 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.5g 29% DV
Total Fat 31.4g 40% DV
Carbs 102.4g 37% DV
Fiber 43.6g 100% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 930.1mg 40% DV
Potassium 1613.6mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 262.2mcg 29% DV
Vitamin C 59.8mg 66% DV
Calcium 1606.2mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned. About 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes should yield the same amount. Blanch and peel them before cooking for the best results. This substitution can add a fresher flavor to your sauce.

How spicy is this sauce?

The spiciness of the sauce can be adjusted by the number of hot peppers used. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the number of hot peppers or remove the seeds. Conversely, for extra heat, consider adding more hot peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Absolutely! This sauce is already vegan as it contains no meat or dairy. You can enjoy it as is or enhance it with additional vegetables or mushrooms for extra texture. It's a great option for those looking for flavorful vegan recipes.

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).

Italian recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →