Mark'S Spaghetti Sauce
Mark's Spaghetti Sauce offers rich tomato flavors with aromatic garlic, herbs, and a touch of red wine, perfect for hearty pasta dishes and family favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown ground beef, chopped onion, and pressed garlic.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water to the beef mixture.
- Stir in oregano, fennel seed, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Cook over low heat for 2 hours or until sauce has thickened.
- Add red wine and cook for another hour.
- Serve with any pasta dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Feel free to customize the herbs; basil or thyme can enhance the sauce. For a chunkier sauce, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms. Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta or try it in a baked lasagna casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over al dente pasta for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a simple side salad for a complete dinner. You can also use it as a base for other dishes, like a savory baked lasagna casserole or even a sausage tortellini soup. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving!
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mark'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 480 calories, with 22g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value), iron (153% of the Daily Value), and calcium (111% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1458mg per serving (63% 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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting overnight. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you're ready to serve. It's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I use if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute it with additional tomato sauce, although the sauce will be slightly thinner. Alternatively, you could use crushed tomatoes or a combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to achieve a similar flavor and consistency.
How can I make this sauce spicy?
To add some heat to your spaghetti sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will elevate the dish and give it a kick that pairs well with the savory flavors.
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).