Bettie Mccright'S Italian Family Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, hearty Italian spaghetti sauce loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for feeding a large family or gathering with authentic flavors and robust aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the sauce for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add more water during cooking if necessary to maintain desired consistency.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar while simmering the sauce. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute some of the tomatoes with roasted vegetables. This sauce can also be adapted for a lighter version by using less oil and opting for whole grain pasta. For a unique take, try it with Linguine With Sweet Pepper Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this robust sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccini, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with Insalata Di Fagiolini (String Bean Salad) for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad. This sauce also works wonderfully as a base for Gina'S Italian Pasta or any of your favorite Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portioned containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bettie Mccright'S Italian Family Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 64 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to peel and core them first. About 12-15 medium-sized ripe tomatoes should suffice to replace the six large cans of Progresso peeled tomatoes. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to reach the desired sauce consistency.
Can this sauce be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this 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. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers while the sauce simmers. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference. This can elevate the dish and complement the sweetness of the peppers and onions nicely.
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).