Paul'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Paul's Spaghetti Sauce features rich, savory flavors with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb ground chuck
  • 1 1/2 green peppers, chopped
  • 1 1/2 onions, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups catsup
  • 3/4 quart tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown ground chuck in a large skillet.
  2. Add chopped onions and green peppers to the skillet and cook until vegetables are tender.
  3. In a large pan, combine remaining ingredients (catsup, chopped tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, mustard, Worcestershire sauce) and start to cook over low heat.
  4. When the meat is browned and vegetables are cooked, add the meat mixture to the pan with the sauce.
  5. Cook over medium heat for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add red pepper flakes. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the overall taste; just add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and it pairs beautifully with Baked Potato Spears for a satisfying meal. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side salad or garlic bread complements the dish well, making for a complete dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Paul'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 380 calories, with 28g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1092mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

380 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.6g 55% DV
Total Fat 15.4g 20% DV
Carbs 39.2g 14% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 21.9g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1091.9mg 47% DV
Potassium 1351mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 82.8mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 424.3mcg 47% DV
Vitamin C 116.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 98.2mg 8% DV
Iron 7.1mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for later use, making weeknight dinners quick and easy.

Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by substituting the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or by using lentils. Additionally, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is vegan, as some brands contain anchovies.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

Canned diced tomatoes work best for this recipe as they provide a consistent texture, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding to the sauce for a similar effect.

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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