Lois' Spaghetti Sauce
Lois' Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful blend of fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and meats, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. chopped fine fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground chuck beef ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 3 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 3 c. mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. sugar
- 3 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. vegetable oil or olive oil ⓘ
- 6 (3 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onions, chopped celery, ground chuck beef, and ground pork (if using) in a large skillet.
- Add the remaining ingredients, including chopped fresh tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, garlic, vegetable or olive oil, sugar, parsley, salt, basil, black pepper, and tomato paste.
- Add 3 bay leaves to the mixture.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, removing the bay leaves before serving.
- Yield: approximately 6 quarts of sauce. Serve over pasta and freeze some for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground chuck beef and ground pork. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned tomatoes can be substituted. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes. You can also add a splash of red wine for depth. Don't skip the bay leaves; they enhance the sauce significantly. This sauce can also be used for Italian recipes like lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with Carter'S Lasagna Deliciousa for a special occasion. Consider a side salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner. This sauce is perfect for batch cooking, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lois' Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 997 calories, with 39g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (434% of the Daily Value), iron (123% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2038mg per serving (89% 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 other types of meat in this sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Additionally, you can omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version by adding more vegetables or beans. The sauce will still be flavorful and satisfying.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef or pork. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference, and taste as you go.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, this sauce actually tastes better when made ahead of time, as the flavors meld together. Prepare the sauce and let it cool before storing it in the fridge for a few days or freezing portions for later use. Just reheat when you're ready to serve.
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).