Brother Bruce'S Pasta Sauce
A hearty and flavorful pasta sauce infused with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and spices, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic in olive oil.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the meat mixture.
- Pour in cooking wine and stir.
- Add ground clove, red pepper, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir in kisses (chocolate) to add richness and depth to the sauce.
- Simmer until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, and feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you don't have cooking wine, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can add acidity. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. While kisses add a unique twist, you can omit them for a more traditional sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. You can also use it as a filling for dishes like Great Microwave Lasagna or Italian Shell Bake for a family-friendly option.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brother Bruce'S Pasta Sauce contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well in this recipe. Opt for whole or diced canned tomatoes for convenience. Just drain excess liquid if necessary, and adjust seasoning to taste, as canned tomatoes can be saltier.
What can I use instead of kisses?
If you prefer not to use kisses, you can replace them with a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the sauce's sweetness and complexity without the chocolate flavor.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and consider adding lentils or beans for protein. You can enhance the umami flavor with mushrooms and additional spices to ensure a satisfying sauce.
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).