D. A.'S Best Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce packed with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and savory ground beef, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and garlic in a large stockpot in a tablespoon of olive oil.
- When meat is almost cooked, add sliced mushrooms and chopped onions; continue browning until vegetables are slightly tender. Drain meat mixture.
- Add oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaves, and tomatoes to the pot.
- Bring almost to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Add tomato paste, sugar, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- Continue simmering for an additional hour.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using San Marzano tomatoes if available. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. If fresh herbs are not on hand, use dried herbs but reduce the amounts by half. To add a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the sauce without overpowering it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Meatball Minestrone Soup or Cheese Pasta In A Pot for a delightful Italian-inspired feast.
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 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of D. A.'S Best Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 497 calories, with 19g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 61g 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?
Absolutely! This sauce benefits from sitting, as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use. Just reheat gently before serving.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use either fresh peeled tomatoes or canned tomatoes for this sauce. If using fresh, opt for Roma or San Marzano varieties for the best flavor. Canned whole tomatoes are also great; just crush them before adding to the pot.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, allow it to simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add more tomato paste to thicken it, or blend in a small amount of cooked pasta to absorb some of the excess moisture.
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).