Sister Marie'S Spaghetti Sauce
Sister Marie's Spaghetti Sauce offers a hearty, savory blend of tomato, herbs, and optional meatballs, perfect for family dinners and Italian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dry minced onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fresh onion
- 2 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones if available, using three times the amount. If you're out of beef bouillon cubes, vegetable bouillon works too. This sauce can also be made ahead and tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and it pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or meatballs. This sauce also works well as a base for dishes like Favorite Lasagne or Great Northern Italian Casserole, enhancing their flavors.
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 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much, ensuring it stays saucy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sister Marie'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1124 calories, with 46g protein, 268g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (354% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to cook them down longer to achieve a similar consistency. About 10-12 cups of fresh tomatoes should yield a comparable sauce. Make sure to remove the skins and seeds for a smoother texture.
How do I make this sauce spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and adjust to taste during cooking. This will give your sauce a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to stir occasionally if possible, and adjust the consistency with water if needed.
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).