Spaghetti Sauce Italino
A hearty Italian spaghetti sauce packed with rich tomatoes, savory meats, and bold flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 6 oz. can mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Burgundy ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green olives with pimento, sliced ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage; drain excess fat. Transfer to crock-pot.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, green pepper, Burgundy, green olives, bay leaves, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, chili powder, pepper, water, and chopped onion.
- Cook on high heat setting for 5 to 6 hours.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of cold water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch; stir into the tomato mixture.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms as a meat substitute. Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano from your garden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over al dente spaghetti, and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad and garlic bread. It also pairs beautifully with Baked Beef Ziti(Lighter Eating - 6 Points) for a fun twist on Italian recipes, providing a comforting, satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well; just portion it out and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce Italino contains roughly 264 calories, with 11g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1856mg per serving (81% 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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits. For best results, reheat gently before serving. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage, making it a perfect meal prep option.
What can I use instead of Burgundy wine?
If you don't have Burgundy wine, you can substitute it with any dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, use beef broth or a mixture of grape juice and vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth of flavor that wine adds to the sauce.
How can I thicken the spaghetti sauce?
If you find your spaghetti sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until it thickens.
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).