Busy Day Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground beef, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and green pepper in very little oil until tender.
- Add ground chuck and brown slightly.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cook slowly until thick, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. To enhance the sauce’s depth, try incorporating a tablespoon of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For a quicker option, check out the Blender Spaghetti Sauce recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Minestrone Soup(Weight Watchers) for a nutritious twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 604 calories, with 9g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1999mg per serving (87% 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! About 6-8 medium tomatoes should suffice. Blanch and peel them before adding to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will add a bright flavor, but you might need to cook the sauce longer to achieve the desired thickness.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce while it simmers. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference. This will give the sauce a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This sauce is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and can be easily frozen. Make a large batch over the weekend, and you'll have delicious spaghetti sauce ready to go for quick weeknight dinners.
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).