Spaghetti Sauce(Large Recipe)
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce packed with spicy Italian sausage, rich tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this robust sauce simmers to develop deep flavors, served over your favorite pasta for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook and stir the sausage and chopped onions until browned; drain the fat.
- Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes in puree, water, minced garlic, bay leaves, sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, and salt to the pot.
- Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover slightly and simmer for 2 hours, stirring often.
- Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions and serve with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer than 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the sausage for a lighter option. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones; use about three times the amount for optimal flavor. This sauce also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad complements the dish well. For a delightful twist, try it with Italian Meatballs or alongside Pizza Batter Bread for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(Large Recipe) contains roughly 309 calories, with 16g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and calcium (78% of the Daily Value). At about 309 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving, and it will taste even better.
What can I serve with spaghetti sauce?
Besides spaghetti, this sauce is delicious over penne or rigatoni. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread, a caesar salad, or even use it as a base for baked pasta dishes like lasagna.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors, and you’ll have a delicious sauce that everyone can enjoy.
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).