Spaghetti Saucewith Or Without Meat
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with or without meat, blending tomatoes, herbs, and optional sausage for a versatile dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all ingredients together in a large pot.
- Stir well to mix the tomato paste evenly.
- If using meat, slice sausage into six-inch lengths.
- Optionally, cut beef brisket into 2-inch wide strips for quicker cooking.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
- Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours.
- Longer cooking enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Serve over pasta and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during simmering. If you want to reduce acidity, try adding a pinch of baking soda. If you're out of crushed tomatoes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or whole tomatoes blended until smooth. Additionally, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne, for a classic dish. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Duane'S Italian Steak Dinner or use it in a Meatball Sub Casserole for a delicious twist.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Saucewith Or Without Meat contains roughly 961 calories, with 15g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1888mg per serving (82% 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! About 10-12 medium-sized tomatoes will yield a similar amount. Blanch and peel them before adding to the pot. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking to achieve the desired consistency.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To adjust the spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce during cooking. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase to your taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the pepper or omit it altogether.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage or substitute it with a plant-based sausage. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor. This will keep the sauce hearty and satisfying without meat.
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).