Linda Thompson'S Spaghetti Sauce
Linda Thompson's Spaghetti Sauce offers a rich, savory flavor with beef, tomatoes, herbs, and spices, perfect for hearty pasta dishes and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (No. 303) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (No. 303) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (No. 303) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- Italian seasoning to taste ⓘ
- onion powder to taste ⓘ
- 4 to 5 basil leaves ⓘ
- oregano to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper when the meat is almost browned.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, whole tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, basil leaves, and oregano.
- Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
- Add 1/2 cup water to thin the sauce if desired, and simmer further.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you prefer a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also incorporate diced carrots or zucchini for added vegetables. Adjust the Italian seasoning based on your preference or try using fresh herbs for a vibrant taste. This sauce pairs beautifully with Jean'S Manicotti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a filling for Italian recipes like lasagna or stuffed shells. It goes well with garlic bread and a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Brother Bruce'S Pasta Sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda Thompson'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 685 calories, with 24g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (360% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1862mg per serving (81% 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 spaghetti sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing. When ready to use, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the sauce, so feel free to experiment with your favorite proteins.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the other ingredients. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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).