Paul Varnell'S Spaghetti
A hearty, savory spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors, aromatic seasonings, and ground sirloin, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp bacon drippings ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 2 small onions ⓘ
- 2 small tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 qt tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 lb lean ground sirloin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp Chinese pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp white pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp Creole all-purpose seasonings ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
Instructions
- Saute the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in bacon drippings in a large, deep pot or pan.
- Add the small cubed tomatoes near the end, cooking for a few moments.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and tomato catsup.
- Blend in all seasonings, reduce heat, and let the sauce simmer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce as it simmers. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil works well. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the sirloin for a lighter option. To enhance the dish, consider adding mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables, similar to what you might find in Carol'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Simple Lasagna or Don'S Lasagna for a hearty Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paul Varnell'S Spaghetti contains roughly 285 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (367% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when you reheat it.
What can I use instead of ground sirloin?
If you're looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a leaner option. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version without compromising on flavor.
How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce?
To thicken your sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until thickened.
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).