Joe'S Spaghetti Sauce
Joe's Spaghetti Sauce offers a rich, hearty flavor with tender ground beef simmered in a robust tomato base, seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and red pepper. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this slow-cooked sauce develops deep flavors over hours, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground chuck or extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 qt. canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 onions, diced ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, diced finely ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- butter or oleo to sauté onions and garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 gal. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry diced onions and finely diced garlic in a small amount of butter or margarine until they become clear.
- Add the browned ground beef to the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and tomato puree to the mixture.
- Mash the whole tomatoes to break them down.
- Simmer the sauce slowly for 4 to 6 hours, skimming any grease that rises to the top.
- Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, sugar, and red pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta, optionally topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground chuck and ground beef. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more red pepper or a pinch of cayenne. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if they are in season; use about 12 medium tomatoes. To save time, consider using pre-diced onions and garlic. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over al dente pasta for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Bread for dipping. Consider adding a side salad or serving alongside Garlic Bread for a complete dinner experience. For a twist, try topping the spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or serving it with a slice of Grandmother'S Pineapple Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joe'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 282 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and simply reheat when ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply modify the amount of chili powder and red pepper. For a milder sauce, reduce these ingredients, or omit the red pepper entirely. Conversely, for more heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking.
What types of pasta work best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is a classic choice, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, including penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold up to the hearty sauce. Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
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).