Bet'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with savory beef, aromatic herbs, and mild peppers, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings seeking comfort food with a kick.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 clove garlic (1/8 tsp.)
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 3/4 tsp. basil
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 c. chopped mild peppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown and drain the hamburger.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or sausage instead of hamburger. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more chili powder or some crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones; use three times the amount. Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly for a deeper flavor. This sauce is also great for layering in dishes like No Fuss Lasagne.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, paired with a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal. It also goes well with a fresh Tossed Italian Salad for a complete dinner. For added texture, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This sauce is versatile enough to use in baked dishes or as a base for other Italian recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bet'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 522 calories, with 19g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (203% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2229mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).

522 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.3g 39% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 125.4g 46% DV
Fiber 56.7g 100% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2229.5mg 97% DV
Potassium 2200.8mg 47% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 322.1mcg 36% DV
Vitamin C 44.4mg 49% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 prepare this sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Flavors will deepen as it sits. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving. You can also freeze it for later use, making weeknight dinners even easier!

What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce?

This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta shapes, but you can also use it in baked dishes like lasagna or as a topping for baked potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

To adjust the spiciness, you can add more or less chili powder or include fresh jalapeños. If it gets too spicy, balancing it with a bit of sugar or additional tomato paste can help mellow the heat. Taste as you go for the perfect balance!

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 → Pork recipes → All recipes →