Mrs. T'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with garlic, onions, spices, and meats, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering. Mellowed overnight for rich taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put garlic, onions, and green pepper in olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook onions until golden.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Skim off excess fat from the meat.
- Add fresh peeled tomatoes and cook them down.
- Stir in tomato paste, sugar, and spices such as salt, pepper, oregano, basil, allspice, thyme, chopped parsley, and mace.
- Use water or tomato sauce to thin the sauce as desired.
- Let the sauce mellow for at least a day before serving over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the meat cooks. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned whole tomatoes can be a great substitute. To increase the heat, substitute regular sausage with hot Italian sausage. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can elevate the flavor profile, while dried herbs work in a pinch. This sauce also freezes well for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it alongside Eggplant Parmesan Soup or a classic Caesar salad. This sauce also makes a great base for Meat Balls With Spaghetti, adding depth to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water or tomato juice to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in portioned containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. T'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 597 calories, with 31g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% 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 turkey or chicken instead of beef for this sauce?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that they may require a bit more seasoning since they are less fatty. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
How do I adjust the spice level in this sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase the amount of spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply use sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit the added black pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with diced mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added texture and flavor. The tomato base will still provide a delicious and hearty sauce.
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).