Mr. Martone'S Pasta Sauce
Hearty Italian‑style meat sauce with sausage, beef, tomatoes, and a rich egg‑breadcrumb crust—great for family dinners or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Process the can of tomatoes and strain through a ricer into a 6‑quart saucepan.
- Add tomato paste, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and parsley to the saucepan and cook over medium heat.
- In a skillet, heat enough olive oil to coat the bottom and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the sliced sweet sausage to the skillet and brown it.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the tomato sauce.
- Place the ground round in a bowl and mix in the egg, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and brown them in the same skillet.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
- Strain a small amount of pan drippings into the sauce and let simmer.
- Cook the sauce for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over pasta and garnish with grated Romano cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano alongside the parsley. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage and ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use crushed tomatoes instead of whole ones for a smoother sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. Pair with Italian recipes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with grated Romano cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor. This sauce also pairs beautifully with Italian pinwheels or as a base for lasagna. A side of garlic bread or a simple salad can complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, simmer on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mr. Martone'S Pasta Sauce contains roughly 318 calories, with 19g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% 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 actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. It's perfect for meal prep or when entertaining guests.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
For the best flavor, use high-quality canned peeled tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice due to their sweetness and low acidity. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes, blanched and peeled.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe, making it a leaner option. Just be aware that it may yield a slightly different flavor and texture. Season it well to enhance the taste.
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).