Basic Italian Sauce(Multi-Purpose)
A versatile Italian sauce bursting with rich tomato, herbs, and savory meat flavors, perfect for pasta dishes and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 lb. ground beef or combination of beef and ground turkey ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large or 2 small onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery with nice tops, chopped fine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped, fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. mixed pickling spice ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat in olive oil, stirring as it browns.
- Add onions when almost done and stir, browning a little.
- Put spices in a small pan of water and keep simmering.
- Combine meat and onions with the rest of the ingredients and cook on low heat for at least an hour.
- Add the spice water as needed using a tea strainer.
- This sauce may be frozen in pint containers and used as needed.
- Serve over spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for half of the ground beef. Fresh herbs like basil can also enhance the taste. To save time, prep the ingredients in advance. This sauce can be made in large batches and is versatile for various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this versatile sauce over spaghetti, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a classic dish. It also pairs beautifully with Jiffy Spaghetti Sauce for a quick meal. Consider adding a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. This sauce is perfect for lasagna or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Italian Sauce(Multi-Purpose) contains roughly 602 calories, with 24g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. It also contributes 45g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of meat in this sauce?
Yes, you can use ground pork or chicken as substitutes for beef. Each will give the sauce a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preference. Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before combining it with the other ingredients.
How long can I simmer the sauce for better flavor?
For the best flavor, simmer the sauce for at least an hour, but you can extend it to 2-3 hours if time permits. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep an eye on the liquid level, adding water or broth as needed.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions before adding the remaining ingredients. This can enhance the sauce's texture and make it even more satisfying.
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).