Spaghetti Gravy
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce featuring rich tomato, garlic, herbs, and savory meats, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its robust taste and comforting aroma make it a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with pasta and a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans water ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans white wine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. rosemary
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sweet basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 8 oz. chopped mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or skillet, sauté onions in olive oil until they are clear.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, water, white wine, and remaining spices to the skillet.
- Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the ground chuck and Italian sausage with a mix of lentils and diced vegetables. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a more vibrant taste, but adjust the quantities accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This spaghetti gravy pairs beautifully with Zucchini Milano as a side dish or a simple green salad. For additional flavor, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can elevate the dish further.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti gravy 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, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently simmer on the stove, adding a splash of water or wine to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Gravy contains roughly 684 calories, with 26g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (112% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1570mg per serving (68% 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! You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them, then cook down to reduce excess moisture. Adjust the simmering time to ensure a thick sauce, as fresh tomatoes contain more water than paste.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?
Absolutely! To make this sauce vegan, simply omit the ground chuck and Italian sausage, and replace them with diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of white wine for additional flavor.
How can I make the gravy spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. Start with a small amount, tasting as you go to achieve your desired spice level. This adjustment can give a nice kick to the flavor profile of your spaghetti gravy.
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).