Quick Meat Spaghetti Sauce
A quick, hearty meat spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors and savory herbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a large skillet over moderate heat until it loses its pink color, breaking it up with a large spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in salt, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, black pepper, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier sauce, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to taste. Using fresh herbs instead of dried can enhance the flavor significantly. This sauce is also great over whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this quick meat spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or try it with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad dressed with Easy Italian Dressing. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Vegetable And Pasta Toss for a delightful mix of flavors.
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 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Meat Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 513 calories, with 16g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1218mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, this meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Using a 28 oz. can of crushed or diced tomatoes works best for this recipe, as they provide a rich base for the sauce. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can substitute about 4 cups of peeled and chopped tomatoes.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground chuck and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for texture. You can also browse more vegan recipes that use similar sauces.
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).