Kid'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
Kid'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a mix of ground beef and Polish sausage in a rich tomato sauce, complemented by melted American cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a comforting taste with savory meats and a hint of garlic, served over spaghetti with garlic bread on the side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large cooking pot and set aside.
- Warm the Polish sausage separately.
- Combine the cooked meats in the large pot and add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chopped tomato.
- Stir until the tomato paste is smooth and ingredients are well mixed.
- Add chopped fresh mushrooms and chopped yellow onion to the sauce.
- Season with garlic salt and salt to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes or longer, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti with slices of American cheese on top and garlic bread on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or Italian herbs such as basil and oregano. If you're short on time, you can substitute canned mushrooms for fresh ones. To make this dish lighter, try using ground turkey instead of beef. This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust the amount of sausage or even use turkey sausage for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti for the best texture. Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it with cheese-stuffed breadsticks. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Beef Chowder or a rich Beef Tenderloin With Roasted Shallots And Port.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kid'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 749 calories, with 26g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2319mg per serving (101% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and Polish sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils or meat substitutes. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of meat-based products to enhance the flavors without compromising on the essence of the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or some grated Parmesan cheese to help achieve a thicker consistency.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process for depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick to the sauce.
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).