Old Fashioned Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, old-fashioned spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavor, savory herbs, and tender mushrooms, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger with chopped onion and drained mushrooms in a skillet.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Simmer the sauce gently for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning can be a great substitute. Adding a splash of red wine while simmering can enhance the depth of the sauce. For a slightly sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. This sauce also works well with ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. You can also use this sauce as a base for dishes like lasagna or in recipes like Bambi's Pasta Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent splatter. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 561 calories, with 22g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (198% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2101mg per serving (91% 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! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for future meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a storage container.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Using canned tomatoes is convenient, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. Look for varieties like Roma or San Marzano for a rich flavor. If using fresh, you'll need about 2-3 cups, peeled and chopped. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to allow for the moisture content.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add heat to your spaghetti sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while the sauce simmers. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance; start with a small amount and add more as desired to achieve the heat level you prefer.
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).