Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs And Sausage
A hearty Italian-style spaghetti sauce with flavorful meatballs and sausage, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with rich tomato and herb flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a pan with cooking oil.
- Cook sausage slowly until barely brown.
- Add salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and garlic powder.
- Add tomato puree and hot water, stir well.
- Add tomato paste and water, stir well.
- Add basil and simmer for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and fresh basil for a more vibrant taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of hot water or simmer longer. You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option, or use Italian sausage for added flavor. This recipe is similar to Easiest Every Spaghetti Meat Sauce with its rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti noodles, for a classic meal. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside Baked Minestrone Soup for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce With Meatballs And Sausage contains roughly 225 calories, with 8g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1846mg per serving (80% 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?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of Italian breadcrumbs?
If you don't have Italian breadcrumbs on hand, you can easily substitute with plain breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of Italian seasoning or even crushed crackers. This will still provide the binding and texture needed for the meatballs.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and sausage with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the texture and flavor of the sauce.
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).