Gramma Guerieri'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with rich tomato and garlic notes, enhanced by bacon grease and herbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic and onion in bacon grease.
- Add tomato paste and stir while cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Optional: Brown 1 pound of ground chuck, sausages, meatballs, or pork chops and add to the sauce the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon grease. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones; use three times the amount of fresh basil and parsley. If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. For a heartier sauce, try incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. This sauce pairs beautifully with Fabulous Spaghetti Sauce for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It also works well with garlic bread and a fresh green salad on the side. For an extra indulgent meal, top with grated Parmesan cheese or serve alongside Parmesan Chops. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in portions; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gramma Guerieri'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 261 calories, with 9g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and add them to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will provide a different flavor profile and may require slightly longer simmering time to break down.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the bacon grease with olive oil or vegetable oil, and omit any meat additions. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it. Another option is to blend in a small amount of cooked, mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs for added thickness.
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).