Ben'S Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, savory spaghetti sauce with garlic, Italian herbs, and red wine, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings that love classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato sauce, salt, pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, water, and red wine in a large saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta or your favorite dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic buds and adding diced onions or bell peppers. If you're out of red wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Feel free to adjust the salt based on your preference, especially if using canned tomato sauce that's already seasoned. For a heartier sauce, you can also add ground meat or sautéed mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with cooked pasta like spaghetti or penne. For a satisfying meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a simple salad. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try it with Jumbo Shells With Cheese Filling or mix into Vegetarian Lasagne (Heart Healthy). Don't forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or more tomato sauce if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ben'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 299 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% 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 tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them, then simmer to reduce excess liquid before adding the other ingredients. This will give your sauce a fresh, vibrant taste.
How can I make this sauce spicy?
To add some heat to your spaghetti sauce, consider including red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While the sauce is great with traditional spaghetti, it also pairs well with shapes like penne or fettuccine that hold the sauce well. For a fun twist, try it with any of your favorite pasta recipes. It also works wonderfully in baked dishes like the 'Eat One-Freeze One' Italian Casserole.
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).