The Best Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce featuring tender ground beef, sweet onions, and savory seasonings, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual dinner.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 onions
  • olive oil
  • 1 pkg ground beef
  • seasonings
  • Prego original spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  1. Chop the onions into small pieces.
  2. Cover the bottom of a frying pan with olive oil.
  3. Add ground beef and chopped onions to the frying pan.
  4. Set the stove to low heat.
  5. Add desired seasonings and mix with the hamburger and onions.
  6. Cook until the hamburger is fully cooked.
  7. Add Prego original spaghetti sauce to the beef, onions, and seasonings.
  8. Mix everything together until heated through and well combined.
  9. Remove from the frying pan and serve, or save for later.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil and oregano to the sauce. If you're out of Prego original spaghetti sauce, any store-bought marinara or tomato sauce will work in a pinch. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter dish. Remember to adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serving Suggestions

This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta; spaghetti is a classic choice. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it over polenta or with a side of Bean Cacciatora for a unique twist. Don't forget to sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl for quick reheating. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of The Best Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 159 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.

159 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 9.1g 12% DV
Carbs 17.4g 6% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 2.6g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 218.2mg 9% DV
Potassium 68.1mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 1.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.7mcg
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 21.6mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

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 can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving to enjoy a quick meal.

What can I add to make the sauce spicier?

To add some heat to your spaghetti sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavorful kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference to achieve the perfect balance.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of store-bought sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes to create a homemade sauce! Simply peel and chop about 4-6 ripe tomatoes, then cook them down until they reach a sauce-like consistency. Add your seasonings and let it simmer until thickened. This will give your sauce a fresh, vibrant flavor.

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).

Italian recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →