Quick And Sassy Spaghetti Sauce
Quick and Sassy Spaghetti Sauce offers a hearty, flavorful blend of seasoned ground steak with Italian herbs and a touch of spice, perfect for busy weeknights. Its rich, savory taste pairs wonderfully with pasta and garlic bread, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 jar Ragu chunky spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb ground steak
- 3 Tbsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp steak sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 (6 to 8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp soy sauce ⓘ
- crushed red pepper ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground steak in a large skillet.
- Add chopped garlic and chopped onion; cook until tender.
- Add all other seasonings: parsley flakes, steak sauce, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, black pepper.
- Continue to simmer for 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, and water.
- Stir until meat is completely mixed with sauce.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve sauce over pasta with garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use pre-chopped garlic and onion from the grocery store. If ground steak is unavailable, ground beef or ground turkey work well as substitutes. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your spice preference, or omit it for a milder sauce. Consider adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. This sauce can also be used in other Italian recipes like lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this quick and sassy spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and consider pairing it with garlic bread for a complete meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the sauce. This sauce also makes a delicious topping for pizza or is perfect for layering in Aunt Lois' Lasagne.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Sassy Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 188 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 15g 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 sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this sauce vegetarian by substituting the ground steak with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added texture and flavor. Be sure to check the seasoning, as vegetarian substitutes may require adjustments.
How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to achieve the desired consistency.
What pasta types work best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is a great choice, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta can hold the sauce nicely. For a twist, try serving it over zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option or consider using it in a baked pasta dish like Lazy Lasagne.
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).