Dad'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce packed with tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, offering rich, savory taste with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
- 3 qt. whole tomatoes, broken ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 12 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sweet basil
- 1/2 Tbsp. thyme
- 2 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and simmer.
- Brown 1 pound of hamburger in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and chopped garlic cloves to taste.
- Drain grease and add the browned hamburger to the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for an extended period to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for a longer time. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried; use three times the amount of fresh herbs for best results. This sauce is versatile and can be used in various Italian recipes beyond spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dad's Spaghetti Sauce over al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, toss the sauce with roasted vegetables or use it as a base for a Hot Oil Pasta Dish. Grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the sauce in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1653 calories, with 56g protein, 400g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (795% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2253mg per serving (98% 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 12-15 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Simmer them down until they break down and create a sauce-like consistency. This adds a fresh flavor but may require extra time to cook down.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will give the sauce a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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).