Ranada'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce loaded with fresh vegetables, olives, and seasoned ground beef, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes into a large saucepan.
- Add chopped bell peppers, onions, sliced mushrooms, and sliced olives to the saucepan.
- Add cooked ground beef and press garlic into the mixture to taste.
- Gradually add garlic powder, Italian spices, oregano, and basil until the desired flavor is achieved.
- Cook on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes or more, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. You can also add a splash of red wine for depth. If you're out of bell peppers, zucchini or carrots can be great substitutes. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your preference; fresh herbs can enhance the dish significantly. This sauce pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Pasta And Meat Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it to make a comforting No Cook Lasagna. A side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad complements the meal perfectly. For added richness, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranada'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 377 calories, with 17g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (175% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value). At about 377 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to season well to maintain flavor, and consider adding more vegetables to enhance the dish.
How can I thicken the spaghetti sauce?
If you find your sauce too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) can help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor drastically.
What other spices can I add for extra flavor?
In addition to oregano and basil, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Italian seasoning blends can also add complexity, or you might experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.
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).