Sylvia'S Spaghetti Sauce
Sylvia's Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, flavorful homemade sauce with sausage, beef, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onion and green pepper in a little oil until the onion begins to brown.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables.
- When the onion begins to brown, add the sausage (skin removed) and hamburger, cooking until browned.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes to the meat mixture.
- Cook on low heat for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After half an hour, add sugar to the sauce.
- Ensure the mixture is bubbling and stir frequently during cooking.
- After the hour, add the tomato paste and four cans of water, stirring well.
- Continue to cook and stir for at least 4 hours, or transfer to a crock-pot and simmer on low all night.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or oregano. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can blend them instead of using canned crushed tomatoes for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic dish that pairs beautifully with Super Lasagna. You can also use it as a base for baked dishes or layered in lasagna. Consider serving it with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sylvia'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 123 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1040mg per serving (45% 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! Just blend them to achieve a crushed consistency. About 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes should equate to one large can of crushed tomatoes. You'll need to adjust the cooking time slightly to allow for any excess moisture.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. You can also use spicy sausage instead of the regular sausage for an extra kick. Just adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
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).