Speedy Spaghetti Sauce
A quick and flavorful spaghetti sauce with savory ground beef, rich tomato paste, and herbs, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner for the family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat shortening in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and minced garlic; cook until beef is well browned.
- Add onion soup mix, water, tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and oregano or basil.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and cover the skillet.
- Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or macaroni.
- Top generously with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. If you’re out of ground beef, ground turkey or sausage can be good substitutes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for a vibrant taste, and remember not to skip the simmering step to let the flavors meld. This sauce is versatile and can be used in dishes like Penne In A Basil Meat Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or macaroni. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, try layering it with noodles and cheese in a baked ziti parmigiana style. You can also sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For a quick reheat, microwave in a covered bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speedy Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 958 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1867mg per serving (81% 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. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can create a similar flavor by using a combination of finely chopped onions, garlic powder, and a bit of beef broth or bouillon. This will help replicate the savory taste of the soup mix.
Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
Absolutely! Adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the sauce. Sauté them with the ground beef at the beginning for a delicious, hearty variation.
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).