Mike'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, savory spaghetti sauce loaded with beef, sausage, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine V-8 juice, tomato puree, tomato paste, chopped onion, oregano, basil, salt, garlic salt, and grated Romano cheese in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 1 hour.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the meats.
- Cut the chuck steak into 2-inch pieces and brown them in a frying pan.
- Brown the Italian sausage in the same or a different pan until 3 to 4 inches pieces are cooked through.
- Add the browned chuck steak and Italian sausage to the simmering sauce.
- Continue to simmer the sauce with meats for another hour.
- Add prepared meatballs to the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer than the suggested time. You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the chuck steak if desired. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just double the amount. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to taste. This sauce is versatile and can be used in dishes like Baked Italian Spaghetti or Easy Spaghetti In The Crock-Pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It's also delightful with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try it as a topping on baked potatoes or in a lasagna. This sauce pairs beautifully with Nanny'S Lasagna for a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, where it will last for up to 3 months. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to thin it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1266 calories, with 44g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (286% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2420mg per serving (105% 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, you can make the sauce a day in advance. In fact, the flavors meld and improve overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them along with the onion at the beginning, or add them in with the meats to let them cook down and infuse the sauce.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While spaghetti is the classic choice, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, such as penne or rotini. The chunky sauce clings nicely to ridged pasta, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Try serving it with fettuccine for an interesting twist.
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).