Pasta Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful pasta sauce packed with savory meats, garlic, and herbs, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Rich tomato flavors meld with spicy red pepper and aromatic seasonings, creating a satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta varieties.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 lb. hot Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. season salt
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (12 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 1/8 cup oregano
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Brown the hamburger and Italian sausage in a large skillet or pot. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned meats; cook until the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in season salt, crushed red pepper, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the meat mixture. Mix well.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and add water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
  7. Serve hot over cooked pasta.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add some chopped fresh chili peppers. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the sauce right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, whether it's spaghetti, penne, or even linguini. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try it over baked potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Explore more Italian recipes to complement your dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pasta Sauce contains roughly 387 calories, with 14g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 34g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

387 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14g 28% DV
Total Fat 10.6g 14% DV
Carbs 76.1g 28% DV
Fiber 34.4g 100% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 319.8mg 14% DV
Potassium 1506.6mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 7.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 137.1mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 27.6mg 31% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 1239.3mg 95% DV
Iron 29.5mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 pasta sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta sauce?

This sauce pairs well with a variety of pastas and can be served with garlic bread or a side salad. For a twist, serve it over spaghetti squash for a low-carb option, or alongside Meatballs And Spaghetti for a classic meal.

Can I freeze this pasta sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this sauce. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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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