Award Winning Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who love classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, sauté onion, green pepper, and garlic in cooking oil.
- Stir in basil, oregano, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
- Add water, sugar, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the garlic or omit the green pepper. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be substituted for dried versions, using about three times the amount. Additionally, for a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer and adjust the water accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this award-winning spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It's delicious topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad and garlic bread. This sauce also pairs beautifully with Spinach Lasagne Noodles for a hearty lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Award Winning Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 911 calories, with 26g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (211% of the Daily Value), and calcium (147% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. You'll need about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking time to break down and achieve the desired consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this sauce is naturally vegetarian. You can enhance its flavor by using vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste. Also, feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
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).