Brenda'S Spaghetti Sauce
Brenda's Spaghetti Sauce offers a rich, savory blend of tomato, herbs, and seasoned meats, perfect for hearty pasta dishes and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, garlic, and onion powder to taste.
- Brown hamburger and Italian sausage and drain excess fat.
- Add the browned meats to the sauce mixture and simmer to combine flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you're out of tomato paste, you can use an extra can of tomato sauce as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the thickness. To enhance the taste, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce also works wonderfully in Italian recipes like lasagna or with My Favorite Pizza Dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti sauce over your choice of pasta, like spaghetti or penne, for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with Angel Hair Pasta With Broccoli for a delightful twist. Add a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. For a heartier option, consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or serving with Hot Italian Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw if frozen and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brenda'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 937 calories, with 32g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (523% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 146g 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 make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this spaghetti sauce vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and Italian sausage. Instead, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and texture. You can also include lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein boost, making it suitable for vegan recipes.
How long can I simmer the sauce?
You can simmer the sauce for as little as 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, but for a deeper flavor, consider simmering it for up to 2 hours. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavors will become.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until hot.
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).