Mom'S Spaghetti Sauce
Mom's Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty and savory dish featuring rich tomato flavors, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil. Perfect for family dinners, it pairs well with pasta or as a topping for meatballs. Its robust taste and comforting aroma make it a classic favorite for anyone craving homemade Italian-style sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato puree, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water in a large pot.
- Add crushed garlic, onion salt, pepper, basil, sugar, and bay leaves to the mixture.
- Stir in the pork pieces and bring to a simmer.
- Cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add ground beef for meatballs and continue simmering until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones, and you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. This sauce is great for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, for a classic dish. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try it with the flavors of the Impossible Lasagne Pie or Beef Casserole Italiano. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until heated through. You can also microwave it, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 151 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it a perfect meal prep option.
What can I use instead of pork in the recipe?
If you're looking to omit pork, you can simply increase the amount of ground beef to 3 lbs. or use turkey or plant-based alternatives for a leaner option. The sauce will still be flavorful without the pork.
How can I thicken my sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it quickly.
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).