Fancy, Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce packed with savory hamburger, mushrooms, and pepperoni, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a hearty, comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook the hamburger and chopped onion over medium heat until the hamburger is no longer red, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomato puree, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, chopped mushrooms, garlic salt, onion salt, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
- Leftover sauce can be used on hamburger buns for Sloppy Joe sandwiches and freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of dried oregano. If you want a lighter sauce, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. You can also add fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Adjust the garlic and onion salt to your taste, or use fresh garlic and onion for a more robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or try it with egg noodles for a twist. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun variation, use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for sloppy joes. Browse more Italian recipes for other delicious sauce ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy, Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 589 calories, with 20g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of meat instead of hamburger?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for the hamburger. Each will impart a different flavor to the sauce, making it versatile for various preferences.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. You can also use spicy pepperoni or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce besides pasta?
This spaghetti sauce is delicious on its own but also works great as a topping for baked potatoes, as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, or even layered in a favorite lazy lasagna recipe. It's quite versatile!
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).