Joanne Engelman'S Spaghetti Sauce(Also Used For Manicotti, Lasagna And Mostaccioli)
A hearty, savory tomato-based spaghetti sauce with rich flavors of ground beef, seasoned with Italian herbs, perfect for pasta dishes, lasagna, and manicotti enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked meat.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water to the skillet.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add Italian seasoning and sugar to the mixture.
- Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions and bell peppers while browning the meat. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar or substitute with honey or agave syrup. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the taste, or try using Italian seasoning for convenience. If you're short on tomato sauce, a mix of canned tomatoes can work as well.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile sauce can be served over spaghetti, used in manicotti, or layered in lasagna. Pair it with garlic bread or a Typical Italian Salad for a complete meal. It also works great as a base for Italian recipes like stuffed peppers or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Don't forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joanne Engelman'S Spaghetti Sauce(Also Used For Manicotti, Lasagna And Mostaccioli) contains roughly 293 calories, with 9g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1822mg per serving (79% 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 turkey instead of ground chuck?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground chuck. Just be aware that it may result in a slightly different texture and flavor. Consider adding a bit of olive oil to keep the sauce moist since turkey is generally lower in fat.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, simmer it uncovered for a longer time to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a little cornstarch or flour dissolved in water to thicken the sauce quickly.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used in various ways! It’s perfect for making Quick Meat Spaghetti Sauce or as a topping for homemade pizzas. You can even use it to flavor soups or stews, adding depth to your dishes.
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).