Nana'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful pork spaghetti sauce featuring tender roasted pork, rich tomato base, and aromatic garlic and onions, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown one side of the pork roast in margarine in a large heavy Dutch oven.
- Slice onions and garlic and place on top of the meat while browning the other side.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, red peppers, sugar, salt, and remaining ingredients to the Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the sauce thickens.
- Ladle the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles.
- Serve with sliced pork roast.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of pork roast and Italian sausage. You can also substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if in season. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the mixture before serving. Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground dried whole red peppers. This sauce can also be used in recipes like Pat'S Spaghetti Sauce for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sauce over al dente spaghetti noodles, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair it with garlic bread and a side salad. This sauce also goes well with dishes like Baked Rigatoni And Ham With Four Cheeses or Italian Filled Bread for a cozy dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 649 calories, with 29g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and potassium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the pork and sauté the onions and garlic as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for a flavorful, tender sauce.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use canned whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes depending on your preference. For a more robust flavor, consider using San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this sauce, substitute the pork roast with diced mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of meat, and ensure your tomato paste is vegetarian-friendly. Adjust seasonings as necessary for flavor.
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).