Sue'S Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground beef, vegetables, and rich seasonings, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. lean ground chuck
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 large green pepper
  • 2 cans stewed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 large can drained kidney beans
  • 1 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot; add chopped onions and green peppers and cook until tender.
  2. Continue cooking until the mixture is browned, then add stewed tomatoes, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and salt.
  3. Simmer the sauce slowly for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Wash and slice the mushrooms, then add them to the sauce.
  5. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Add drained kidney beans and cook until beans are hot.
  7. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti noodles with broccoli flowerets until al dente.
  8. Serve the sauce over the cooked noodles and top with grated sharp cheese.
  9. Accompany the meal with crusty French bread and dill pickles.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a few cloves of minced garlic to the sauce. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute. Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding carrots or celery for added nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce further.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty French bread and a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try it alongside Italian Potato Salad(Insalata Di Patate) for a delightful contrast in flavors.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the spaghetti sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sue'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 667 calories, with 42g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value), protein (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1130mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

667 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.4g 85% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 119.1g 43% DV
Fiber 44.3g 100% DV
Sugar 10.9g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1130.3mg 49% DV
Potassium 2761mg 59% DV
Cholesterol 1.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 80.7mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 51.3mg 57% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 275.6mg 21% DV
Iron 15.3mg 85% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you're looking for a leaner option. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to season it well.

What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce?

Along with spaghetti, consider serving garlic bread or Kristen'S Favorite Breadsticks for a delicious accompaniment. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also make great side dishes to complement the meal.

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).

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