Italian-Style Sauce
A hearty Italian-style tomato sauce with sausage and garlic, perfect for pasta lovers seeking rich, savory flavors in a comforting, slow-simmered dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in a frypan.
- In a crock-pot or large pot on low heat, empty the tomato paste into the pot.
- Add water to equal the amount of tomato paste, stirring constantly. The sauce should be thick, not watery.
- Add crushed garlic, oregano, and Italian sausage to the sauce.
- Simmer for 4 to 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato paste. Fresh oregano can be substituted for dried if you have it on hand. You can also use ground turkey sausage for a lighter version. If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. This sauce is versatile and can be used in many Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian-Style Sauce over pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccini, for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad. For an easy weeknight dinner, consider serving it with Turkey Fettuccini Marinara for a delicious twist. You can also use it as a base for Sausage, Potatoes And Peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to ensure even heating without burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian-Style Sauce contains roughly 356 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% 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 tomato paste?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to cook them down to achieve a similar thickness. Approximately 12-14 fresh tomatoes would equal the amount of paste. Peel and chop them, then simmer until they break down into a sauce.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage and add diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more herbs and spices, such as basil or thyme.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some meats will require additional herbs and spices to match the flavor profile of the original recipe.
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).