Rowdy'S Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty homemade spaghetti sauce featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and comforting Italian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 handful fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (7.5 oz) can sliced olives ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 crushed red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green pepper in a fry pan until the hamburger is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, oregano, bay leaves, sliced olives, sugar, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or using fresh herbs instead of dried. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Sautéing the vegetables longer will enhance their sweetness and depth. Experiment with the spices for a personalized touch; adding Italian seasoning can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving it with Italian Cube Steak or alongside Lasagna Baked By Mom for a comforting family dinner.
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, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rowdy'S Homemade Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 656 calories, with 26g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value), and calcium (123% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 52g 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will impart a vibrant flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired thickness.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you adjust to achieve your preferred level of spiciness.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for a leaner option. For a bolder flavor, try using ground pork or Italian sausage. Each option will give the sauce a unique taste while still delivering a delicious result.
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).