Fancy Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, simmered to perfection, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving hearty Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 or 2 garlic bulbs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 links pepperoni, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 stick butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in 1/2 stick of butter.
- Add sausage, chopped onions, and chopped garlic bulbs.
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Serve hot, and enjoy this flavorful spaghetti sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or use a mix of sausage types for added depth. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce's flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is also versatile and can be used in dishes like Baked Rigatoni And Sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fancy spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor. This sauce is also excellent for making Pasta Gratin With Sausage or as a base for lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 4478 calories, with 20g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 448g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2800mg per serving (122% 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 sauce can be made ahead and actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for ground chuck?
You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, using a combination of beef and pork can add a different flavor profile to the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to achieve a thicker consistency.
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).