Spaghetti Sauce(All Purpose Sauce)
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground meats, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato and wine flavors, perfect for a comforting family meal. Suitable for pasta lovers and casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 c. burgundy ⓘ
- 1 (No. 1) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 2 c. beef stock or bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground veal ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can solid pack tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sweet basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Add ground beef and ground veal to a pan and place in a moderate 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Let stay a few minutes, stirring a few times so that it browns evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a kettle, add chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
- Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Add Burgundy wine, tomato puree, solid pack tomatoes, and beef stock or bouillon.
- Let cook gently for 10 minutes.
- Add the browned meats to the sauce.
- Add spices: oregano, nutmeg, bay leaf, black pepper, sweet basil, rosemary, and salt.
- Let simmer for 1 1/2 hours, skimming occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of meats such as ground pork or turkey along with the beef and veal. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the meats with lentils or mushrooms. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavors—try substituting dried herbs with fresh ones if available, adjusting quantities accordingly. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning to your preference as the sauce simmers.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with pasta like penne or ziti, making it a great choice for dishes like No Fuss Beef Lasagna. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also use this sauce as a base for other Italian recipes, or as a filling for stuffed peppers or pasta bakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(All Purpose Sauce) contains roughly 672 calories, with 35g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1406mg per serving (61% 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 use only ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use only ground beef if you prefer. The combination of ground beef and veal adds depth, but using beef alone will still yield a delicious sauce. Adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while cooking the onions and garlic. You can also serve the sauce with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top when serving.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, and consider making a double batch for future meals.
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).