Sis Lawson'S Famous Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce packed with rich tomatoes, seasoned beef, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 small cans tomato sauce
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup dried onions

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef with half of the salt and pepper.
  2. Drain off excess fat from the beef.
  3. In a 6-quart pan, combine the cooked beef with the remaining ingredients.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley when simmering the sauce. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or sausage can be excellent alternatives. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if the tomatoes are particularly acidic. This sauce is versatile enough to be used in dishes like Layered Spaghetti Casserole or Italian Meat Sauce For Spaghetti.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, use it as a filling for ravioli or in a No Bake Lasagna. This sauce is a perfect base for various Italian recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the 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 until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sis Lawson'S Famous Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 284 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

284 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13g 26% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 60.1g 22% DV
Fiber 15.2g 54% DV
Sugar 11.7g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 415.5mg 18% DV
Potassium 1552mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 7.1mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 89.9mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 35.5mg 39% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 340.2mg 26% DV
Iron 11.2mg 62% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-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 develops even more flavor when made a day in advance. Simply let it cool, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving. It's perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I add vegetables to this sauce?

Yes! You can enhance the nutritional value by adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when cooking the ground beef. Just sauté the vegetables until they're tender before adding the other ingredients, and enjoy a heartier sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?

If your sauce turns out too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry can help achieve your desired consistency.

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).

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