Fabulous Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and savory spaghetti sauce packed with ground meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for hearty family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground chuck
- 1/2 pound ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground veal or turkey
- 1 bell pepper ⓘ
- 4 cloves fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- a dash of Tabasco ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop all ingredients as fine as possible.
- Cook ground chuck, ground pork, and ground veal or turkey in olive oil and butter until done, not browned.
- Add all other ingredients and simmer for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the veal. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste, so feel free to use them instead of dried ones. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a savory touch. This sauce is versatile and works well in various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fabulous spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as Penne or Spaghetti, for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Garlic Bread and a fresh green salad as sides. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Parmesan Chops for a delightful contrast. Garnish with fresh basil or grated cheese to elevate the dish further.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water can help restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fabulous Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 761 calories, with 20g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 31g 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?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for future use. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when reheated.
What can I use instead of ground veal?
You can substitute ground veal with additional ground pork or turkey, or even use ground chicken for a lighter option. Each provides a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference.
How do I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase or decrease the amount of Tabasco sauce according to your taste. Alternatively, adding red pepper flakes can provide a different heat profile. Start with a small amount and adjust gradually to avoid overpowering the sauce.
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).