Classic Italian Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful Italian spaghetti sauce loaded with sausage, beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage links
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 3 (28 oz.) cans tomatoes in tomato puree ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Italian herb seasoning ⓘ
- 3 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove sausage meat from casings.
- In an 8-quart Dutch oven over high heat, cook sausage meat and ground beef, stirring often until all pan juices evaporate and meat is browned.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat mixture and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine while cooking the meat. If you prefer a spicier sauce, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. Feel free to substitute ground turkey for the beef for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based sausage and mushrooms. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish, such as basil or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of Easy Microwave Lasagna or Tufulis. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving for an appealing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This sauce freezes well, too; just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Italian Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 877 calories, with 17g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% 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?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are often more convenient and can offer great flavor. The three 28 oz. cans of tomatoes in tomato puree used in this recipe provide a rich base. Just ensure you choose high-quality brands for the best taste.
How can I adjust the sauce for a lower sodium version?
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium canned tomatoes and tomato paste. You can also decrease or omit the added salt, tasting the sauce as it cooks to find a flavor balance that works for you. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor without the need for extra salt.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! It actually develops a deeper flavor when allowed to sit. Make it a day or two before serving, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving for a delicious meal.
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).