Spaghetti Sauce Italian Style
A hearty Italian-style spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors, savory meatballs, and sausage, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love robust, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Puree the whole tomatoes in a blender, then strain well.
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the tomato paste in a large pot and cook on medium-high heat.
- Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning.
- Mix salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, basil leaves, and 3 tablespoons garlic powder into the tomato mixture.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 1 hour before adding meat.
- In a separate bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and enough salt to season.
- Mix the meat mixture well.
- Add water-soaked bread and milk to the meat mixture; knead well to combine.
- Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Brown the meatballs in oil over medium heat.
- Drain the meatballs well after browning.
- Cut the Italian sausage links into pieces and brown in a skillet.
- Add the sausage and meatballs along with their drippings to the tomato sauce.
- Simmer the sauce with meat for about 3 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option, or use additional Italian sausage for a spicier kick. Fresh basil can replace dried basil, but add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a classic Italian meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors. For a twist, try using it in a baked pasta dish like Baked Spaghetti Pie for a delicious family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti 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, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce Italian Style contains roughly 548 calories, with 20g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1187mg per serving (52% 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 the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match meats. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, and you can add or replace sausages with spicy or sweet varieties based on your preference.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If your sauce turns out too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or some grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it while enhancing the flavor.
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).