My Italian Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty Italian spaghetti sauce rich with ground meats, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the onion, green pepper, garlic, and celery in butter and oil until tender.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, tomato paste, tomato puree or sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, pre-cooked Italian sausage can be a great substitute for the ground beef and pork. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so feel free to use fresh basil and oregano if available. This sauce can also be used for recipes like Creamy Lasagne or Ethel'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sauce over your favorite pasta or try it with stuffed shells for a twist. A side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad complement the dish beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley alongside the grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This sauce also pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Jayne'S Breath Of Death Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain consistency, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Italian Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1130 calories, with 35g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (216% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (171% of the Daily Value), and calcium (128% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1977mg per serving (86% 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?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more when the sauce sits. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef and pork with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of the meat drippings, and ensure that your tomato products are free from animal ingredients for a fully vegetarian sauce.
How can I adjust the spice level of this sauce?
To adjust the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat or using a spicy Italian sausage if you prefer. Conversely, if you want a milder sauce, reduce the amount of black pepper and avoid any spicy substitutes. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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).