Paul Newman'S Wanna-Be Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with a rich blend of meats and tomato, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a robust Italian-inspired taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 lb. hot sausage
  • 1 lb. mild sausage
  • 10 oz. can tomato puree
  • 12 oz. can tomato paste
  • 2 large jars spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and hot sausage in a skillet.
  2. Drain the grease from the cooked meats.
  3. Mix the cooked meats with the tomato puree, tomato paste, and spaghetti sauce in a large pot.
  4. Simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers while browning the meats. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. For added depth, sprinkle in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil. Feel free to adjust the spice level by using mild or extra hot sausage based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with Lasagne Gustoso (Makes 6 To 8 Servings) or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Consider garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered dish for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Paul Newman'S Wanna-Be Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 307 calories, with 25g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

307 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.7g 49% DV
Total Fat 15.7g 20% DV
Carbs 18.2g 7% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 461.5mg 20% DV
Potassium 1032.4mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 210.1mg 70% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 30.5mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 75.1mg 6% DV
Iron 16.6mg 92% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb Under 400 cal

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 actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat before serving.

Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meats and using plant-based ground meat or lentils instead. Replace the meat with diced vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to add texture and flavor to the sauce.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

This spaghetti sauce is versatile and pairs well with various pasta types, but traditional spaghetti is a classic choice. Other great options include fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gnocchi. The sauce clings well to these shapes, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

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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