Chris' Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce featuring ground beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place oil in a heavy pan over heat; add chopped onion and green pepper and sauté until half cooked without browning.
- Add ground beef and cook until it starts to brown.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water; stir and cook until grease turns red.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, oregano, salt, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to simmer.
- Cook for not less than 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can also add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes. For a quicker version, use canned diced tomatoes instead of paste and sauce. Don't skip the simmering time; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, with a sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with Easy Italian Potato Bake or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider adding garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also works well as a filling for Jumbo Shells With Meat.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist, and warm it slowly over low heat on the stovetop.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chris' Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 264 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 918mg per serving (40% 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 ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. However, since turkey is less fatty, you may want to add a bit of olive oil or butter to enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or substitute it with soy sauce or liquid smoke.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to incorporate the added liquid. Adjust seasoning as necessary after adding.
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).