Spaghetti Sauce (School)
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with rich tomato and spice notes, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, appealing to all pasta lovers seeking comfort food.
Ingredients
- 5 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 bottle Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tablespoon garlic ⓘ
- 1 3/4 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/8 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 16 oz. catsup ⓘ
- 16 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 tablespoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dried onions ⓘ
- basil leaves to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
- Cook until hot, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground chuck before mixing with the other ingredients. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the chili powder or add some crushed red pepper flakes. For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste, so feel free to use fresh basil instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic meal. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. It also makes a great filling for lasagna or can be used as a base for dishes like Crock-Pot Peppered Steak. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce (School) contains roughly 2030 calories, with 68g protein, 460g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (918% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1421mg per serving (62% 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 ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well, allowing you to prepare it in bulk for easy weeknight meals. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether. Adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of salt can help balance the flavors as well.
What type of pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Traditional spaghetti is a classic choice, but this sauce also works well with other pasta shapes such as penne or fettuccine. For a lighter option, consider serving it over zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.
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).