Spaghetti Sauce For An Army

Prep: 10 min Cook: 300 min Cuisine: Italian

A rich and hearty spaghetti sauce packed with fresh tomato flavors, herbs, and spices, perfect for family dinners and large gatherings requiring a flavorful, savory sauce.

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Ingredients

  • 1 gallon diced or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 gallon tomato puree
  • 1 gallon tomato sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. sweet basil
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp. dry hot pepper
  • 4 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Rinse each can of tomatoes with half a can of water and mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
  2. Simmer the mixture for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and bell peppers to the sauce. If you prefer a lower acidity, use San Marzano tomatoes or add more sugar. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried, but increase the quantity used. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This sauce also works well as a base for dishes like Spaghetti Meat Sauce, Japanese Style.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It can also be used as a base for lasagna or served with garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of Italian Antipasto or a fresh green salad. This sauce also complements a range of Italian recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, gently simmer on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce For An Army contains roughly 1851 calories, with 58g protein, 475g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (851% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (232% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1933mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).

1851 kcal 93% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 57.8g 100% DV
Total Fat 23.8g 31% DV
Carbs 475.4g 100% DV
Fiber 238.4g 100% DV
Sugar 22.9g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1933.1mg 84% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 463mcg 51% DV
Vitamin C 208.9mg 100% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 in advance?

Yes, this sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To increase the heat, add more dry hot pepper or incorporate red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot pepper or omit it entirely. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.

What can I serve with this sauce?

This sauce is versatile and pairs well with various pasta dishes. Consider serving it with a side of creamy Italian pasta or on top of baked ziti. It's also great as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a base for homemade pizzas.

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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