Franca'S Spaghetti Sauce
Franca's Spaghetti Sauce offers a hearty, flavorful blend of ground beef, fresh herbs, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop onion, celery, basil, and parsley into very fine pieces. Saute the veggies in 4 tablespoons oil until golden.
- Add the ground beef, then add tomato sauce and tomato paste.
- Fill one tomato sauce can and the tomato paste can with water, then pour into the pan. Add chicken bouillon to taste.
- Stir often over medium heat, adding some black pepper.
- Cook until sauce is fairly thick and not runny. Serve over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the sauce. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried basil and parsley work well too, just use about a third of the amount. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty option, try it with a side of Classic Italian recipes like Lasagna With White Sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franca'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 27 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute for tomato paste. It will add a different texture and flavor, so adjust the quantity based on your preference for thickness. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this sauce, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with lentils or mushrooms for added texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavorful kick.
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).