Old Time Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, savory spaghetti sauce packed with ground beef, tomatoes, mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 large onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 (No. 303) can whole, peeled tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms (undrained) ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In hot salad oil in a large skillet, brown garlic.
- Remove garlic and in the same oil, sauté onion until tender.
- Add crumbled ground beef and sprinkle with flour.
- Cook until the meat is loose and a red color, stirring while cooking.
- Add whole peeled tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and sugar.
- Stir occasionally and simmer, covered, for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can also add fresh herbs like basil and oregano for an aromatic touch. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water or add more tomato paste. Using crushed tomatoes instead of whole peeled tomatoes can also yield a smoother sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you’re pairing with dishes like Ziti Bake For Eight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For a family feast, consider serving alongside dishes like Mema'S Favorite 6 Cheese Lasagna or Best Ever Spicy Spaghetti. Grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and it will last for about 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Time Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 346 calories, with 15g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% 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?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. In fact, allowing it to sit for a day enhances the flavors, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try lentils or a mix of chopped mushrooms and bell peppers to maintain a hearty texture while keeping it plant-based.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out too watery, simmer it uncovered on low heat for a longer period to reduce it. You can also add a bit more tomato paste or even a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with cold water) to thicken it up without altering the flavor significantly.
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).