Denise'S Spaghetti Sauce
Denise's Spaghetti Sauce offers a rich, savory blend of beef, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for family dinners and comforting pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- onion powder to taste ⓘ
- garlic powder to taste ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 clove chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 1/2 envelope spaghetti seasoning mix ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder; drain off excess fat.
- Add drained mushrooms, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, spaghetti seasoning mix, cooking wine, vinegar, sugar, and a couple of tomato paste cans of water.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and add shredded cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine along with the cooking wine. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, incorporate red pepper flakes. Additionally, feel free to mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the sauce's freshness. This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with Rigatoni Al Prosciutto for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad complements the meal perfectly. For a heartier option, you can also serve it with Meatballs And Marinara Sauce. This sauce is versatile and can be used as a base for various Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it. You can also microwave the sauce in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Denise'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 837 calories, with 21g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after the flavors meld together. Simply prepare the sauce, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Reheat it gently before serving.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce with a bit of vinegar and sugar. This will mimic the umami and tangy flavor that Worcestershire sauce adds to the dish.
Is it necessary to use sugar in the sauce?
Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce, but if you want to avoid it, you can replace it with a small amount of honey or omit it entirely. Taste the sauce as it simmers to adjust the flavors according to your preference.
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).