Terry'S Not-So-Sweet Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 to 3 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can stewed or crushed tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 7 oz. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning ⓘ
- pinch of crushed red pepper ⓘ
- pinch of ground cayenne red pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions, green pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and undrained stewed or crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Add water, celery salt, oregano or Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning, stirring well.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or use a sweeter tomato variety. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Adjust the spices according to your taste, especially the crushed red pepper and cayenne for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside Garfield'S Easy Lasagne for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Terry'S Not-So-Sweet Homemade Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 324 calories, with 14g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it before serving. Making it ahead allows the flavors to develop even further, enhancing the overall taste.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for a few additional minutes until thickened.
Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the sauce. Simply chop them finely and add them along with the onions and peppers during the sautéing step.
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).