Thanksgiving Eve Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, savory Thanksgiving Eve spaghetti sauce packed with rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Slow simmered for deep flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, saving 1 to 2 tablespoons of drippings. Saute onions and garlic in drippings.
- Add crushed tomatoes.
- Add tomato sauce.
- Add tomato paste to onions and garlic.
- Add sugar and spices. Stir together well.
- Add ground beef; stir well.
- Let simmer for at least 3 hours.
- Serve over hot pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can also enhance the sauce's depth. Additionally, you can adjust the sugar to balance acidity based on the sweetness of your tomatoes. This sauce works great for Quick Cooking Italian Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sauce over al dente pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Alternatively, use this sauce as a base for Baked Ziti Parmigiana by layering it with pasta and cheese. You can also serve it alongside Meatballs Italiano for a classic Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Eve Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 439 calories, with 16g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (191% of the Daily Value), and calcium (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1031mg 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 for this sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 3-4 pounds, peeled and chopped. Simmer them down to achieve the right consistency, but remember to adjust cooking times as fresh tomatoes may require longer to break down.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, simmer it uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to quickly thicken it without altering the flavor.
Is it necessary to add red wine to the sauce?
While red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, it is optional. If you choose not to use wine, you can substitute with beef broth or simply omit it altogether. The sauce will still be flavorful without it.
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).