Mom'S Sauce
A hearty homemade Italian-style meat sauce with rich tomato flavors, garlic, herbs, and melted mozzarella, perfect for pasta lovers seeking comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 pound hamburger ⓘ
- 2 pounds 3 ounces Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 ounces tomato paste (2 cans) ⓘ
- 1 or 2 packages Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet or pot.
- Saute chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add hamburger and saute until browned.
- Add Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and pepper.
- Mix well, mashing the tomatoes with the back of a spoon or a masher.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 hours or longer, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, and feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer without a lid. This sauce can also be used for dishes like Lasagna Roll-Up, enhancing its versatility.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dinner. You can also use it as a base for dishes like Aunt Nona'S Spaghetti Sauce or layered in a lasagna. Top with mozzarella cheese for a delicious finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Sauce contains roughly 1054 calories, with 40g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (96% of the Daily Value), protein (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1717mg per serving (75% 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 tastes even better when made ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it a great option for meal prep.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, ensuring the heat level matches your preference without overwhelming the dish.
What kind of cheese is best for topping?
While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can also use a blend of cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for added flavor. Mixing in some shredded cheddar can give a nice twist, especially if you're pairing it with more robust pasta dishes.
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).