Rich Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, hearty spaghetti sauce featuring savory bacon, ground beef, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon slices until crisp; drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef to the onion and cook until no longer pink.
- Drain off excess drippings from the mixture.
- Add strained tomatoes, tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and a dash of red pepper to the beef mixture.
- Cook the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Halfway through cooking, add crushed garlic cloves to the sauce.
- Once cooked, crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute the bacon with pancetta or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce also works well with Italian recipes that call for a robust tomato base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For a hearty dinner, consider serving it alongside Meatballs Parmesan or Joe'S Shrimp Marsala to create a delightful Italian feast.
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 or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simmer on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 726 calories, with 18g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (229% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2126mg per serving (92% 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 sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered to evaporate some of the excess water. Alternatively, you can add a bit of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) to thicken it quickly without altering the flavor.
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).