Micro Spaghetti Sauce
Hearty micro spaghetti sauce brimming with browned ground beef, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs—perfect for quick family dinners or topping fresh pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart bowl, cook beef, mushrooms, onions, and garlic on high for 5 minutes, stirring to break up the meat.
- Drain off excess fat and stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, basil, thyme, oregano, and pepper.
- Cook, covered, on high for 8 minutes.
- Stir well, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir again, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; try using fresh basil instead of dried. If you're short on time, you can also use pre-cooked ground beef to speed up preparation. This sauce can also be used in dishes like Mom'S Easy Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
This micro spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also use it as a base for baked dishes or as a topping for baked potatoes. It complements Italian recipes well and can be a great addition to recipes like Olive Spaghetti With Italian Meat Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Micro Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1081 calories, with 28g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% 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?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often improve after sitting. You can also freeze it for longer storage, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce?
This sauce is versatile and can be served with various pasta types, such as spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Additionally, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I customize the ingredients in this sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the seasoning based on your preferences, such as adding more herbs or even some red pepper flakes for heat.
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).