Mama'S Spaghetti Sauce
Mama's Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, savory dish with rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot.
- Saute chopped celery and onions in a small amount of vegetable oil until tender.
- Combine browned beef, sautéed vegetables, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sliced mushrooms, and seasonings in a large stockpot.
- Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with some chopped bacon or pancetta. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms to maintain texture. Adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process can enhance the sauce's depth. Adjust seasonings to your taste, especially if you enjoy more herbs. This sauce can also be used for dishes like Everyday Lasagne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Additionally, you can use the sauce as a base for dishes such as Ziti Bake Or Lazy Lasagna, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, transfer to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water can help restore the sauce's consistency if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 764 calories, with 24g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (353% 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 1924mg per serving (84% 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 beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef. It will still provide a delicious flavor, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey is milder. Be sure to brown it well to enhance the overall taste of the sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while the sauce simmers. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. You could also consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish for an extra kick.
Is it necessary to simmer for 3-4 hours?
While simmering for 3-4 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, you can shorten the cooking time to 1-2 hours if you're short on time. Just be aware that a longer simmer will deepen the flavors and improve the sauce's overall complexity.
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).