Catherine'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
Catherine's Favorite Spaghetti Sauce combines rich tomatoes, savory beef, aromatic herbs, and a splash of red wine for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped beef in a skillet and pour off the fat.
- Add the peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, water, diced onion, garlic, basil, marjoram, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer everything for 2 hours.
- Stir in 1/3 cup red wine.
- Add the Ragu spaghetti sauce with mushrooms.
- Simmer for an additional hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the chopped beef for a lighter dish. Fresh herbs like basil can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes. This recipe is great for meal prep and can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside Kathy Palliser'S Microwave Easy Lasagna. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catherine'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 235 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1286mg per serving (56% 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. You'll need about 4-5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them first to remove the skins. This will add a fresher taste but may require additional cooking time to break down the tomatoes into a sauce.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make this sauce vegetarian, substitute the chopped beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too acidic?
If your sauce turns out too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors. Additionally, incorporating a bit of butter at the end can help mellow the acidity and add richness.
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).