Spaghetti Sauce(Makes 3 Quarts)
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with rich tomato and herb notes, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, offering a comforting taste of Italy.
Ingredients
- 5 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped garlic ⓘ
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 c. tomato puree ⓘ
- 6 c. diced tomatoes or bottled
- 1/4 c. chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 c. whole sweet basil
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. leaf thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/8 c. onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- water as needed for consistency ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat a heavy pot and coat the bottom with oil.
- Add ground beef and brown it, then pour the meat into a strainer and drain excess fat.
- In the same pot, brown the diced onions, picking up the browned particles from the beef.
- When the onions are nicely browned, add the chopped garlic.
- Add the remaining ingredients except the chopped parsley.
- Cook the sauce for 2 hours, adding the chopped parsley during the last half hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as beef and pork. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; try using fresh basil and thyme instead of dried. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes. This spaghetti sauce also freezes well for later use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with Italian Rice And Peas as a side dish. For a complete meal, consider serving a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. This sauce is also great for lasagna or as a base for Chicken Fettuccini.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain consistency. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(Makes 3 Quarts) contains roughly 246 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% 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?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it before serving and consider adding fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To adjust the spiciness, consider adding red pepper flakes or using a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply omit any added spices or opt for sweet Italian sausage. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
What can I do if my sauce is too acidic?
If your sauce turns out too acidic, adding a small amount of sugar can help balance the flavors. Alternatively, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit of butter to round out the acidity. Taste and adjust gradually until you achieve the desired flavor.
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).