Pam'S Sauce

Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

Pam's Sauce is a hearty, savory meat sauce featuring sausage, short ribs, and meatballs simmered in a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. sausage
  • 2 lb. short ribs
  • 4 cans tomato paste
  • garlic powder
  • 2 lb. meatballs
  • 2 (32 oz.) cans plum tomatoes
  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Crush plum tomatoes in a blender or food processor and place in a large pot.
  2. Add three-quarters of a can of water for each can of tomatoes, olive oil, and sprinkle garlic powder to lightly cover the tops of the tomatoes.
  3. Add a small shake of red pepper.
  4. Cover and simmer on high while frying the meats.
  5. Stir occasionally during simmering.
  6. Fry the meats with bones first.
  7. Add the browned meats to the sauce as they are cooked.
  8. Fry sausages next, then the meatballs.
  9. Add the fried sausages and meatballs to the pot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano while simmering the sauce. If you're short on time, store-bought meatballs can be a great substitute for homemade ones. Adjust the garlic powder and red pepper according to your spice preference, as they can significantly impact the overall taste of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pam's Sauce is perfect served over pasta, like spaghetti or rigatoni, and pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or using it as a base for dishes like Italian-Style Cabbage Rolls. For a heartier meal, serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pam'S Sauce contains roughly 1086 calories, with 51g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (101% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1231mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

1086 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 50.7g 100% DV
Total Fat 67.2g 86% DV
Carbs 74.2g 27% DV
Fiber 8.4g 30% DV
Sugar 21.7g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1231mg 54% DV
Potassium 2064.7mg 44% DV
Cholesterol 151.4mg 50% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 197.5mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 56.5mg 63% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 107.2mg 8% DV
Iron 12.1mg 67% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 use different types of meat in Pam's Sauce?

Absolutely! You can customize the meats in Pam's Sauce based on your preferences. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey can work well, but keep in mind that the flavor will vary. Just ensure you brown the meats thoroughly before adding them to the sauce.

How can I thicken Pam's Sauce if it’s too watery?

If your sauce ends up too watery, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon or two of tomato paste can help thicken it up instantly without altering the flavor significantly.

What can I serve with Pam's Sauce?

Pam's Sauce is versatile and pairs great with various sides. Serve it over pasta for a classic meal, or use it as a base for a hearty lasagna. It also complements dishes like Sausages And Rappi, making it a delightful addition to any Italian-inspired dinner.

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).

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