Mike'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
Mike's Favorite Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a rich tomato base with savory chopped meat, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it pairs beautifully with spaghetti for a comforting, homemade Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp corn oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1 jar Prego spaghetti sauce (mushroom with extra spice) ⓘ
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb chopped meat ⓘ
- 1 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Add spaghetti sauce and crushed tomatoes to a 5-quart saucepan and heat.
- Brown chopped meat in a skillet and drain.
- Saute chopped onions and chopped green peppers in heated corn oil.
- Add chopped meat, onions, green peppers, basil, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, bay leaves, garlic powder, salt, and sugar to the sauce and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chopped meat with lentils or mushrooms. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; use fresh basil instead of dried for a vibrant touch. Adjust the spice levels by varying the crushed red pepper or using a milder sauce if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over al dente spaghetti for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad on the side. For a heartier option, try it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. This dish also complements well with a glass of red wine for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 670 calories, with 31g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), iron (130% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 757mg per serving (33% 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 a different type of meat in this sauce?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. You can also try using Italian sausage for a spicier flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider substituting with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms for a similar texture.
How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a bit of tomato paste can help thicken it quickly. Cornstarch mixed with water is another option; just stir it in and cook until thickened.
What can I serve with spaghetti sauce besides spaghetti?
This sauce is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Try it over zoodles for a low-carb option or use it in a Tofu Spinach Lasagna for a delicious twist. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
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).