My Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors, seasoned with oregano and garlic salt, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. lean hamburger
  • 1 c. chopped onion
  • 1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 3 c. water
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz. spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Brown the lean hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet.
  2. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, garlic salt, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
  3. Simmer the sauce for 2 hours, adjusting water if cooking time is shortened.
  4. Cook spaghetti noodles separately and serve topped with the sauce.

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, you can use ground turkey instead of lean hamburger for a lighter option. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the dish. Don't hesitate to mix in vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spaghetti sauce over freshly cooked noodles and top with grated Parmesan cheese for a classic touch. A side of garlic bread or a fresh Italian salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of Stombolee or Baked Ziti Carey Style, making it perfect for family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 245 calories, with 10g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1285mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

245 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.2g 20% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 55.8g 20% DV
Fiber 21.2g 76% DV
Sugar 12.6g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1284.7mg 56% DV
Potassium 1329.3mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 178.4mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 49.8mg 55% DV
Calcium 680.4mg 52% DV
Iron 17.3mg 96% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 spaghetti sauce can be made ahead of time and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it according to the instructions, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat when you're ready to serve.

How do I adjust the spice level of this sauce?

To adjust the spice level, you can add red pepper flakes for heat or include fresh chopped chili peppers during cooking. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of garlic salt or omit it altogether.

Can I use other types of pasta with this sauce?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, this sauce works wonderfully with various pasta shapes. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta are great alternatives. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions and top it with the 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).

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