Aunt Gerry'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground beef, tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal with rich, savory flavors and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 minced garlic
- 1 qt. tomatoes
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried sage ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried rosemary ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 c. Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Put the cooked beef and onion into a large pot.
- Add all remaining ingredients: tomatoes, tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms, garlic salt, pepper, dried sage, thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, Burgundy wine, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 4 1/2 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
- Top with grated American cheese and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey can also work well. For added depth, consider incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If fresh herbs are available, substitute dried sage and thyme with fresh equivalents for a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over al dente spaghetti noodles, and consider topping with grated American cheese and Parmesan cheese for additional flavor. A side of garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, along with a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try it with baked potatoes or the One-Pan Lasagna for a hearty Italian night.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Gerry'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 723 calories, with 7g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before serving to enjoy a deliciously rich meal.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like tempeh or crumbled tofu. Ensure to enhance the flavors with additional herbs and spices to maintain a robust taste in the sauce.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Using crushed or diced tomatoes works best for this sauce, as they provide a nice texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, opt for pureed tomatoes instead. Look for quality canned tomatoes to enhance the overall flavor of the 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).