Spaghetti Sauce For A Crowd
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce perfect for feeding a crowd, featuring ground beef, rich tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. This versatile sauce is ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a comforting taste with bold, savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain excess fat.
- Saute minced garlic and chopped onion in olive oil until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the cooked garlic and onion mixture to the browned meat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.
- Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 hours, stirring often, adding water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
- Add olives, oregano, or basil to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce. If you prefer a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. To enhance the taste, fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added right before serving. If you have leftovers, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. This sauce is versatile enough to use in dishes like Baked Lasagna or Italian Supper Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, use it as a base for dishes like Skillet Or Wok Lasagna. Grated Parmesan cheese on top will elevate the flavors even more.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce For A Crowd contains roughly 115 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just reheat it gently before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add red pepper flakes for heat or reduce the amount of black pepper. If you prefer a milder sauce, skip the garlic salt or use a low-sodium version to control the flavor.
What can I substitute for crushed tomatoes?
If you don't have crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes or pureed tomatoes as alternatives. Both will work well in this recipe, although you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the 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).