Simple-To-Fix Great Tasting Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, with a rich, savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground chuck in a pot and drain into a colander.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions and green pepper.
- While sautéing, stir in oregano, sugar, chili powder, basil, garlic, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
- When the onions are nearly cooked, add tomato paste, tomato sauce, ketchup, bay leaf, and the cooked ground chuck.
- Simmer the sauce for 60 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve over your favorite pasta noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground chuck with garlic before draining. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste and sauce for a fresher taste. Adding a splash of red wine while simmering can enhance the sauce's depth. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a meat substitute for the ground chuck.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta noodles, like spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes such as garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding meatballs or serving it alongside Italian Macaroni Combination for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple-To-Fix Great Tasting Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 21 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?
Yes! To add spice, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding red pepper flakes to taste. For a unique twist, you can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the simmering process.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your sauce. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as the dried ones called for. Chop fresh basil and oregano finely and add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant 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).