Mel'S Type Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty homemade spaghetti sauce packed with savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato flavor, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger in a large pot, breaking it into tiny pieces. Drain and rinse.
- Return the cooked hamburger to the pot.
- Run onion, celery, mushroom, and garlic through a food processor or grinder until it becomes a mush, then add to the hamburger.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer uncovered for 3 hours, stirring often.
- Serve hot with your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you want to reduce the fat content, lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the hamburg. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the sauce further, and you could also add chopped bell peppers for extra texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with Fettuccine With Chicken And Mushrooms for a heartier meal. Consider adding a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to complete the meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain consistency. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mel'S Type Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 596 calories, with 26g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value), iron (125% of the Daily Value), and calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 913mg per serving (40% 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 sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for easy meals later. Just reheat on the stovetop before serving.
What’s the best type of pasta to use with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is a classic choice, this sauce works well with various pasta shapes. Try it with penne or rigatoni for a heartier bite. It also pairs nicely with wide noodles like pappardelle, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the nutrition and flavor. Consider incorporating diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them after the meat and onion mixture has cooked for a tender yet flavorful addition to your sauce.
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).