Spaghetti Sauce
This hearty spaghetti sauce is a rich blend of tomato paste and savory ingredients, simmered to perfection. With a hint of butter and optional mushrooms, it's a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with pasta. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the tomato paste, sliced onion, salt, water, and butter for 3 1/2 hours.
- Add mushrooms halfway through cooking and stir in the cooked ground beef.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the sliced onion in the butter until translucent before adding the tomato paste and water. If you don't have tomato paste, crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. For an extra umami boost, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a handful of Italian herbs. If you love meat, this sauce pairs beautifully with Meatballs For Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also use it as a base for other dishes like Pasta Fagioli or layer it in a baked Canneloni Roma for a delightful twist.
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, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 195 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prepping or for a busy weeknight dinner.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely or replace it with lentils or chopped vegetables to maintain a hearty texture.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking, which helps evaporate excess water. If it's too thick, add a little more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
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).