Beverly'S Tomato Sauce
A hearty, flavorful tomato sauce with ground beef and Italian sausage, perfect for pasta or family dinners, customizable with vegetables for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
- Add dried basil, minced garlic, cumin, and salt.
- Simmer the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and excess liquid to reduce.
- Adjust consistency with additional stewed tomatoes and spices if needed.
- Optional: add zucchini and eggplant for extra vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid steaming. If you prefer a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Fresh herbs can replace dried basil, but use three times the amount. Also, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor, similar to recipes like Streamline Beef Minestrone Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It also pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try it with Mostaccioli With Tomato Sauce for a comforting dinner option. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a base for pizza.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beverly'S Tomato Sauce contains roughly 701 calories, with 35g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1749mg per serving (76% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance, cool, and store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
If you prefer not to use Italian sausage, you can substitute with any other type of ground meat like turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too watery, simmer it uncovered for a longer time to reduce excess liquid. You can also add a bit of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to thicken it up quickly.
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).