Grandma Caruso'S Spaghetti Sauce
Grandma Caruso's Spaghetti Sauce combines savory Italian sausage with aromatic herbs and rich tomatoes, creating a hearty, flavorful sauce perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 7 large cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 large can Contadina Italian style tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can Contadina paste ⓘ
- 1 large can Contadina sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add olive oil and cook Italian sausage until browned.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, Mrs. Dash, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, sugar, and crushed red pepper.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Chop the canned Italian-style tomatoes and add to the sauce, filling the can halfway with warm water and adding it as well.
- Add the Contadina paste and sauce cans, filling each halfway with warm water before adding.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Add raw or pre-cooked meatballs to the sauce.
- Cook on low heat all day, stirring frequently.
- The longer it cooks, the better the flavor.
- Stir carefully and watch the sauce while cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using homemade Italian sausage or adding a splash of red wine to the sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste; use them if available. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting seasonings to your preference. This sauce is versatile enough to be used in dishes like Sausage Stuffed Shells.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dining experience. For a different twist, try layering it in a Lazy Day Overnight Lasagna or serving it alongside Mostaccioli And Italian Sausage. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Caruso'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 313 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% 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 ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage in this recipe. However, consider adding Italian seasoning to mimic the flavors of sausage. Ground turkey is another good alternative if you're looking for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary since ground beef may require different cooking times.
How do I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this sauce, you can replace the Italian sausage with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water when rinsing the cans of tomatoes for extra depth. This will ensure your sauce remains hearty while keeping it meat-free.
What can I do with leftover spaghetti sauce?
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be used in various ways. It's perfect for making a quick pizza sauce or as a base for a hearty soup. You can also incorporate it into dishes like Italian recipes, such as stuffed peppers or baked ziti. Just be creative, and don’t let it go to waste!
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).