Pat'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

Pat's Spaghetti Sauce offers a rich, thick, and flavorful tomato-based sauce with savory garlic, onions, and seasoned ground beef, perfect for hearty pasta dinners and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. hamburger meat
  • 6 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
  • 6 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1/3 c. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bulb garlic
  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 large bottle ketchup

Instructions

  1. Saute chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until clear.
  2. Add hamburger meat to the skillet and brown.
  3. In another pot, combine tomato paste and tomato sauce.
  4. Add Italian seasoning and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
  5. Stir in ketchup and the contents of the skillet.
  6. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  7. Serve hot with pasta or your favorite dishes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. To save time, use pre-minced garlic or onion powder, though fresh ingredients will always yield the best results. Pairing this sauce with a side of Italian Filled Bread can enhance your meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettucini. It also pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For a twist, try it as a filling for a Muffuletta sandwich. Don't forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving!

Storage & Reheating

Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pat'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 405 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

405 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.3g 15% DV
Total Fat 29.4g 38% DV
Carbs 33.6g 12% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 17g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 292.8mg 13% DV
Potassium 1241.1mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 91.9mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 57.6mg 4% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger meat?

Yes, ground turkey can be a lighter alternative to hamburger meat. Just keep in mind that turkey may have a milder flavor, so you might want to increase the seasoning slightly to maintain the sauce's richness.

How can I make this sauce vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of this sauce, substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils. You can also enhance the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers, which will give the sauce a hearty texture.

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Absolutely! This sauce benefits from sitting for a day or two, as the flavors deepen over time. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving to enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like it just came off the stove.

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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