Thick Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, thick spaghetti sauce bursting with fresh tomato flavor, complemented by aromatic herbs and sweet peppers. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this versatile sauce can be frozen for later use, making it an easy and satisfying addition to any pasta meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot and cook onions, garlic, and green peppers until tender, stirring often.
- Add peeled and cored tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, parsley flakes, oregano, salt, basil, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving or storing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting your tomatoes before adding them to the pot. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, just remember to use three times the amount of fresh. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is versatile; try using it in dishes like Easy Ziti or as a base for Fettuccine With Tomato Basil Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this thick spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a topping for Monica'S Pizza. It's delicious with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with meatballs or grilled chicken. This sauce also works well in lasagna or over roasted vegetables.
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 one week or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thick Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 4889 calories, with 16g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 510g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2192mg per serving (95% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed since canned tomatoes are already cooked. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
How can I make this sauce thicker?
To thicken your sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you could add a bit of tomato paste or even a cornstarch slurry if you're in a hurry. Remember, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
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).