Italian Pasta Sauce
A hearty Italian pasta sauce packed with rich tomato flavors, herbs, and seasoned meat, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with crusty bread and salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat (ground round or Italian sausage) in a pan and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper to the meat.
- Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Italian tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste (diluted with water), Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, anise seed, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours, adding water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with chopped mushrooms or lentils. To add a bit of heat, include red pepper flakes. This sauce can also be used for other dishes, such as Italian-Style Swiss Steak or Pasta Fagiole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Pasta Sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a delightful appetizer, consider serving Crostini Alle Olive alongside this dish for a complete Italian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Pasta Sauce contains roughly 344 calories, with 35g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2156mg per serving (94% 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; just peel and chop about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Cook them down until they break apart and create a sauce-like consistency before adding other ingredients. This will give you a fresher flavor!
How can I adjust the sauce for a spicier flavor?
To make the sauce spicier, add red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. You can start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste. Additionally, consider using Italian sausage with a spicy variety or adding a dash of Italian Hot Sauce.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Yes, this pasta sauce freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
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).