Neapolitan Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty Neapolitan-style spaghetti sauce rich with lean beef, tomatoes, herbs, and savory toppings like pepperoni and cheese, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. cubed lean beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 cans tomatoes (28 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 can Contadina Italian style tomato paste (6 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. thin sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- few shakes crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef in olive oil in a heavy kettle; add salt, black pepper, chopped garlic, and chopped onion.
- Blend the ingredients well in the kettle.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and sugar; bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add mushrooms (if using), sliced pepperoni, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, crushed red pepper, grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for about two hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef longer or adding a splash of red wine before simmering. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh mushrooms with canned ones, or skip them altogether. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Pair this sauce with a hearty pasta for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Neapolitan spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti for a classic dish. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For added flavor, sprinkle extra grated cheese on top just before serving. This sauce also works wonderfully in recipes like Meatball Minestrone Soup or as a base for D. A.'S Best Spaghetti Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, place the cooled sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers, which can last up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Stir frequently for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neapolitan Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1127 calories, with 33g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (216% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2016mg per serving (88% 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, this sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, cool it completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving for a delicious meal.
What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce?
This sauce is perfect over spaghetti, but you can also use it with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a simple arugula salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with Italian Beef And Rice.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the beef and adding more vegetables or protein alternatives like lentils or soy crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of water and consider incorporating more herbs for added 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).