My Mother'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty homemade spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors, seasoned with herbs and onions, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Complements thin spaghetti beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, draining off excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, minced onion, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano (if using), and parsley flakes to the beef.
- Simmer the sauce slowly for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring often, but do not cook more than 1 1/2 hours.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Serve the sauce spooned over the cooked spaghetti on a platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives. Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for a different taste profile, and consider incorporating garlic for extra depth, similar to some Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a glass of red wine. This dish is versatile and can be used in other recipes, like Layered Italian Casserole or Quick And Good Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months; just thaw it overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mother'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 490 calories, with 16g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (238% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and iron (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking time to reach the desired consistency.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with chopped mushrooms or lentils for added texture. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
What can I do if the sauce is too acidic?
If your sauce tastes too acidic, you can add a pinch more sugar or a small amount of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. Another option is to stir in a bit of cream or butter for a richer flavor that balances out the acidity.
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).