Spaghetti Sauce For Meatballs
A rich, savory spaghetti sauce infused with garlic, onions, herbs, and tomatoes, perfect for hearty meatballs and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until tender.
- Add tomato paste to the onion and garlic mixture and cook for a few minutes.
- Add pureed tomatoes and all other ingredients to the pot.
- Cook the sauce for about 2 hours, stirring often.
- Add meatballs into the sauce and cook together for the remaining time.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. For a vegetarian twist, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives, perfect for those exploring vegan recipes. When using canned tomatoes, opt for San Marzano for the best quality.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. For a twist, try it with 'Clergy In A Hurry' Spaghetti for a quick weeknight meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This method helps maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce For Meatballs contains roughly 956 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1824mg per serving (79% 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 10-12 medium tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and puree them before adding to the sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
Is it necessary to cook the sauce for two hours?
While two hours is ideal for developing rich flavors, you can simmer for as little as 30 minutes if you're short on time. The longer the sauce cooks, the deeper the flavors become, but a shorter cook time will still yield a tasty result.
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).