Spaghetti With Sausage
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish with spicy sausage and rich tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family dinners and lovers of robust Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 large cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 3 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp onion powder ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp oregano ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 5 large green peppers ⓘ
- 6 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 lb hamburger ⓘ
- 6 links Italian sausage ⓘ
- 2 lb spaghetti noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine tomato sauce, tomato puree, and tomato paste.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, pepper, salt (if using), and chili powder to the sauce mixture.
- Chop green peppers and onions; set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook hamburger and Italian sausage until browned; remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped green peppers and onions to the meat; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Combine cooked meat and vegetables with the tomato sauce mixture; simmer for 30-45 minutes to develop flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and serve topped with the meat sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a leaner option. If you prefer less heat, omit the chili powder or adjust to taste. For a fresh touch, stir in some chopped fresh basil just before serving. This recipe is a great base for experimentation with other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe also makes a fantastic base for other dishes, such as Kathy's Lasagne (Revised) or Waye Spaghetti Sauce, if you're looking to mix things up.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave portions in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Sausage contains roughly 855 calories, with 45g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2277mg per serving (99% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the hamburger and Italian sausage. Instead, add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for protein. You can also use plant-based sausage for added flavor.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little bit of water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
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).