Bill'S Mom'S Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, savory spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and optional mushrooms, perfect for hearty family dinners and Italian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large (28 oz.) cans Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 or 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. marjoram
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- Crushed red peppers to taste ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 good sized onions ⓘ
- 1 lb. sliced, fresh mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and mushrooms in a little olive oil in a large heavy pot.
- Drain off the oil.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until thick, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- Keep the sauce covered during simmering.
- When slightly cooled, refrigerate the sauce.
- Serve the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder if needed, adjusting the quantity to taste. For a vegetarian twist, add some diced bell peppers or zucchini. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of crushed red peppers. This sauce also freezes well for future meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic meal, or pair it with a fresh side like Applebaum'S Italiano Salad for a complete dinner. It also works wonderfully as a base for dishes like Broccoli And Spaghetti Casserole. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S Mom'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1045 calories, with 37g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (292% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (283% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 816mg per serving (35% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to peel and chop them, and adjust the quantity to achieve the equivalent of about 6 cups of canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to break down into a sauce.
How can I make this sauce vegan?
This sauce is naturally vegan; just make sure to use a vegan-friendly tomato paste. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor. Serve it over whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a complete vegan meal.
What can I add for extra protein?
To enhance the protein content, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas to the sauce. Ground turkey or beef can also be incorporated if you prefer a meaty sauce. Just brown the meat before adding the other ingredients.
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).