Easiest Every Spaghetti Meat Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti meat sauce with rich tomato and garlic notes, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion, green pepper, and beef in oil until beef has lost its red color.
- Add 1 can of tomato paste and stir.
- Add 2 cans of water and stir.
- Add the second can of tomato paste and stir.
- Add remaining water, salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley.
- Cook for approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours until the sauce is thickened.
- Use a heavy steel pot and cover during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for the beef. Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the sauce. For a twist, try adding a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture, similar to what you might find in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty spaghetti meat sauce pairs beautifully with cooked spaghetti or ziti noodles. Serve it topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or garlic bread. You can also use this sauce in baked dishes like lasagna or as a base for stuffed peppers, making it a versatile option for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easiest Every Spaghetti Meat Sauce contains roughly 1695 calories, with 191g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (752% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (530% of the Daily Value), and protein (382% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2376mg per serving (103% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this spaghetti meat sauce ahead of time! It stores well in the fridge for several days or can be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to storage containers.
What type of ground beef should I use?
Using ground round beef is ideal for this recipe due to its balance of flavor and leaner fat content. However, you can also opt for ground sirloin or even ground turkey for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, continue to simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce to help thicken it quickly.
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).