Great Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce blending ground beef, Italian sausage, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings seeking comfort and robust taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 4 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato puree ⓘ
- 12 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove casings from the Italian sausage.
- In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef and sausage until cooked through.
- Remove the meat from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large stock pot or two large saucepans.
- Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until slightly limp.
- Remove the onions and mushrooms with a slotted spoon and add them to the meat in the pot.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato puree, tomato paste, water, pepper, dried basil, salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered on low heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot or freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage or ground turkey can be great substitutes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the freshness of the sauce if you prefer them over dried. Additionally, try adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity from the tomatoes if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne. It also pairs beautifully with Lasagna With Meat Sauce for a comforting Italian meal. Consider adding a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad to round out the meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 315 calories, with 19g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (279% of the Daily Value), iron (184% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 952mg per serving (41% 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 different types of meat in this sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use a combination of meats for added depth. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms as a base instead of meat.
How do I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a personalized touch.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
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).