Tomato Meat Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty Italian-style tomato meat spaghetti sauce packed with savory ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- olive oil (Italian virgin) ⓘ
- 1 clove fresh garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 can water
- 3 (1 lb.) cans crushed Italian style tomatoes ⓘ
- dried oregano to taste, crushed ⓘ
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- fresh dried mint to taste ⓘ
- 1 small can Mexican hot sauce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepot, coat the bottom with olive oil.
- Brown chopped garlic in the oil.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, water, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, mint, and hot sauce.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 2 hours over medium-low heat, stirring now and then.
- Ensure heat is not too high to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the meat. If you're short on time, using store-bought marinara sauce can be a good substitute for the crushed tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with Easy As 1-2-3 Lasagna for a comforting meal. A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Meat Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 246 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2232mg per serving (97% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Many find that the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but will still pair well with the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to evaporate some of the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken it up.
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).