Thirty Minute Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti sauce made with ground chuck, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this sauce offers rich meatiness balanced with aromatic herbs, easily adaptable to personal taste for a satisfying meal that pairs well with spaghetti or other pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a heavy pot.
- Add chopped onion, Italian seasonings, oregano, thyme, red pepper, water, and catsup to the cooked meat.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, adjusting seasonings to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the sauce. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be a lean substitute. You can also use diced tomatoes instead of catsup for a fresher taste. Experiment with different Italian seasonings to customize the flavor profile to your liking. This sauce can be used in various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this thirty-minute spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, or pair it with garlic bread for a delightful meal. It also goes well with a simple green salad or the Low-Fat Tortellini Salad for a complete dinner. For a heartier option, try it with Crece-Fried Bread Dough (Italian) for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thirty Minute Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 276 calories, with 9g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (154% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 30g 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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is a great choice, this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape. Consider using penne or fusilli for a fun twist. For a unique option, try it over Unusual Pasta for an interesting presentation.
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).