Cacciatore Sauce
A rich, savory Italian-style sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs, perfect for pasta or chicken dishes, offering deep flavor and versatility in comfort meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onions, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, diced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large skillet.
- Saute onions and mushrooms with garlic powder in margarine until onions are transparent.
- Add chopped canned tomatoes, pepper, oregano, basil, red wine, tomato paste, water, and cornstarch to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or olives to the sauce. If you don't have red wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a nice depth. To thicken the sauce without cornstarch, you can use mashed potatoes or pureed beans. This Cacciatore Sauce can also be used as a base for Italian recipes like pasta or as a topping for crostini alle olive.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cacciatore Sauce over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian-style Swiss steak or as a flavorful topping for grilled chicken. For a complete dinner, serve with a side salad and garlic bread. This sauce also makes a great dip for crostini alle olive, perfect for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently simmer on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cacciatore Sauce contains roughly 532 calories, with 12g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (133% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 29g 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this Cacciatore Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently before serving to enhance the flavors.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! This sauce is already vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, just ensure that the margarine used is dairy-free. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
What can I serve with this sauce?
This Cacciatore Sauce is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Serve it over pasta, use it as a topping for grilled meats, or enjoy it as a dip with bread. It complements Italian recipes beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser.
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).