Deano'S Delicious Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, slow‑cooked tomato sauce with sausage and ground beef, brightened by oregano, bay leaves, and a touch of chili—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato sauce and tomato paste in a large pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, oregano, and celery salt to the simmering sauce.
- In a separate skillet, brown lean hamburger meat and regular sausage, then set aside.
- Dice onion finely and sauté it with salt and pepper until translucent.
- Drain the browned meat in a colander to remove excess fat.
- Add the drained meat and sausage back to the sauce after it has simmered for about one hour.
- Stir in two bay leaves and reduce heat to low, letting the sauce cook for six hours, stirring occasionally.
- Approximately one hour before serving, sprinkle in chili powder.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're out of celery salt, a mix of regular salt and finely chopped celery can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the chili powder to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with Fettuccine Supreme(Only 267 Calories Per Serving) or can be used as a filling for a Spaghetti Lasagne. Add a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deano'S Delicious Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% 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 beef and sausage?
Yes, ground turkey can be a healthier substitute for both the lean hamburger and sausage. It will still provide a good base for the sauce, but you may want to add more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out too watery, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to evaporate some of the excess liquid. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken it quickly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sauce?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and replace it with finely chopped mushrooms and bell peppers. They will add a hearty texture and flavor to the sauce, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians.
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).