Millie'S Spaghetti Sauce
Millie's Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a rich tomato base infused with herbs and spices, complemented by tender meatballs and tender pork hock. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its complex layers of flavor make it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 med onion, diced
- 2 med carrots, shredded ⓘ
- 2 sticks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 lg or 2 sm garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 sm green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 lg pork hock
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 tomato sauce cans of water ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp rosemary ⓘ
- 1 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp allspice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 2 lg bay leaves ⓘ
- Pinch of sage ⓘ
Instructions
- Make meatballs from the hamburger and set aside. You can brown the meatballs if you wish, but they cook very well if added to the sauce raw.
- Combine all ingredients except meatballs and pasta in a large pot.
- Cook the mixture at least 8 hours to develop flavors.
- Add the raw meatballs to the sauce and cook until they are done.
- Serve over prepared pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the pork hock before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the pork hock with smoked turkey leg for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or lentils instead of meat. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste of the sauce, so feel free to use fresh rosemary and basil if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with Classic Lasagne for a hearty meal. Consider adding a side of Italian Bean Salad for a refreshing contrast, and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Millie'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 256 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (193% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 460mg per serving (20% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need about 2-3 pounds, peeled and crushed. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require additional cooking time to break down into a sauce consistency.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the sauce. You can start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Just add the meatballs during the last hour of cooking to ensure they’re fully cooked without becoming tough.
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).