The Very Best Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and hearty spaghetti sauce packed with savory herbs, garlic, and red wine, perfect for pasta, lasagna, or pizza. Its bold flavors develop over hours, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate a classic Italian-inspired dish with depth and warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. red wine ⓘ
- 4 (13 oz.) cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. basil
- 2 or 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large 8-quart saucepan; pour off the fat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.
- Pour in the red wine and deglaze the pan.
- Add tomato puree, tomato paste, and just enough water to rinse out each can.
- Add the seasonings: parsley flakes, oregano, basil, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, garlic salt, red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 5 to 6 hours or until it reaches the desired thickness.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional tomato sauce.
- Use the sauce for pasta, meat dishes, lasagna, stuffed pastas, or pizza.
- The sauce can be frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and ground pork. You can substitute the red wine with beef broth if preferred. If you want a bit more sweetness, use brown sugar instead of white. Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if you love herbs; fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and it pairs beautifully with Homemade Lasagna or Italian Spaghetti And Meat Balls. A side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad complements the meal perfectly. For a heartier option, use the sauce in a Double Crust Pizza or as a base for stuffed pastas.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional tomato sauce if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Very Best Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 359 calories, with 15g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). At about 359 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 in advance?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to a couple of days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by replacing the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of red wine and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase the spice level, consider adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper initially, and taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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).