"Spaghetti Sauce"(Straight From Italy!)
A hearty Italian-style spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onion in a little oil.
- Add the ground beef and cook until loose and browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, water, salt, and sugar.
- For added flavor, optionally add pre-boiled pork neck bones, ribs, chops, or sausage, then add to the sauce.
- Simmer until flavors meld and sauce thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Before serving, remove any sizable pieces of meat and bones.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and sausage. If you're short on time, canned tomatoes can substitute for fresh, though the flavor may vary slightly. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance depth. This sauce pairs beautifully with Italian Beef Stew With Rosemary for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try it as a filling for Beth'S Lasagna or layer it in Ragu Sauce Lasagna for a delicious variation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to maintain the sauce's consistency, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Spaghetti Sauce"(Straight From Italy!) contains roughly 263 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 627mg per serving (27% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to peel and chop them first. About 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes should suffice. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time to allow for the extra moisture.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure your tomato products are free of animal products to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.
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).