Spaghetti Sauce(California-Style)
A hearty California-style spaghetti sauce packed with vegetables, tomatoes, and optional ground beef, simmered slowly to develop rich, layered flavors perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 4 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- pinch red pepper (cayenne) ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chopped green peppers and onions in oil.
- Brown the ground beef if using.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chili powder, red pepper, mushrooms, red wine, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on very low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat for the ground beef to create a lighter version. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder works as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to use any colored bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this California-style spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as Ianniello Spaghetti, for a hearty meal. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light dessert like a fruit salad.
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, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(California-Style) contains roughly 793 calories, with 27g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), and potassium (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 6-8 medium tomatoes should yield enough for this recipe. Blanch and peel them, then chop before adding to the sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a bit more cooking time to break down and reach the desired consistency.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make this sauce vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add additional vegetables such as zucchini or carrots. You can also incorporate lentils for added protein and texture. Ensure that your vegetable broth or stock is used if you need to thin the sauce during cooking.
What can I do if my sauce is too acidic?
If your sauce tastes too acidic, you can balance it out by adding a small amount of sugar, about a teaspoon at a time, until the flavor is more balanced. Alternatively, adding a splash of cream or a dollop of butter can help mellow the acidity and enrich 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).