Nadine'S Spaghetti Sauce
Nadine's Spaghetti Sauce offers rich, savory flavors with ground beef, tomato sauce, and herbs, perfect for hearty family dinners and comforting pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 c. water or more
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- spaghetti, cooked according to package directions ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, sauté the chopped onion in cooking oil.
- Add the lean ground beef and stir while browning.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, basil, sugar, oregano, and thyme.
- Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, checking occasionally and adding more water if it's too thick.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just double the amount. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. This sauce is versatile and pairs well with various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over spaghetti, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad and garlic bread. This sauce also works well with other pasta types; try it over penne or linguine. For a heartier dish, incorporate Sisti'S Seafood Pasta, offering a delightful contrast to the flavors of this sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the sauce completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nadine'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 642 calories, with 8g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve when it sits. Just reheat it gently before serving over your favorite pasta.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. This will change the flavor slightly, but the overall dish will still be delicious.
How long can I simmer the sauce?
While 1 hour is recommended for optimal flavor, you can simmer the sauce for longer if you have time. Just be sure to check the consistency and add water as needed to prevent it from becoming too thick.
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).