Mel'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty Italian-style spaghetti sauce with bacon, vegetables, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook the bacon on medium-low until lightly browned.
- Add sliced garlic, diced onion, diced celery, and diced green pepper; sauté lightly until vegetables are tender.
- Add whole tomatoes with juice to the pan and simmer on low.
- Season with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to taste.
- Pour in 1 cup of tomato juice and continue simmering until vegetables are soft, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Meanwhile, cook 1 pound of spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Add butter to the cooked spaghetti and serve topped with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even turkey bacon as a leaner alternative. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and don't hesitate to incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of freshness. This sauce pairs beautifully with Italian Seashells.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti sauce over al dente cooked spaghetti, and top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it with tortellini for a different texture and flavor, or enjoy it as part of a hearty Italian recipe spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mel'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 250 calories, with 7g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2194mg per serving (95% 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 canned tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned diced or crushed tomatoes as a convenient substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned tomatoes will soften faster. Just be sure to include their juice for the best flavor in your sauce.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables for added texture. You can also use smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor reminiscent of bacon.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is traditional, this sauce also complements various pasta shapes well. Try it with penne, fettuccine, or even stuffed pastas like ravioli for a delightful twist. The sauce's hearty texture clings nicely to any pasta.
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).