Meat Sauce(Spaghetti Sauce)
A hearty, flavorful meat sauce with garlic, onions, peppers, and spices, perfect for pasta lovers and family dinners, delivering rich, savory taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 c. oil ⓘ
- 9 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 3 large onion ⓘ
- 3 green peppers
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 cans tomato paste (12 oz.) ⓘ
- 3 cans tomato sauce (1 lb. 3 oz.) ⓘ
- 2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3 Tbsp. A.1. sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, chopped green peppers (if using), and minced garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, and hot water.
- Add celery salt, garlic salt, chili powder, salt, paprika, oregano, parsley flakes, and sage.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, A.1. sauce, and chili sauce.
- Simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to develop flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried; just triple the amounts. Pair this sauce with your favorite pasta for a delightful meal or use it in dishes like Beef Italian Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad and garlic bread. For a twist, use it in Baked Spaghetti For The Microwave or layer it in lasagna for a delicious variation. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Sauce(Spaghetti Sauce) contains roughly 471 calories, with 9g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 850mg per serving (37% 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 meat sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat before serving. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Each alternative will bring a different flavor profile, so be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the dish's overall taste.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If the sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to thicken as it cooks. This will help achieve the desired consistency.
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).