Uncle Jack'S Spaghetti Sauce
A flavorful spaghetti sauce with chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and herbs, perfect for a quick family dinner or versatile enough to serve over vegetables or baked dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend chopped tomatoes and green chilies, stewed tomatoes, mushroom pieces, garlic salt, cumin (if using), and crushed oregano in a blender; don't whip.
- Pour the blended mixture over browned, extra lean ground beef.
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Serve over drained spaghetti or use as a topping for fried zucchini or squash and chopped onion, covered with cheese and baked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process. If you're short on time, pre-made pasta sauce can substitute for the canned tomatoes. You can also experiment with additional spices like red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute to create a delicious vegan version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over drained spaghetti for a classic dish, or get creative by topping fried zucchini or squash with it, followed by cheese and a quick bake for a delicious twist. A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with the sauce, enhancing your meal. Consider serving with Italian recipes like Italian Style Cauliflower for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help restore its original consistency if it thickens during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Jack'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 665 calories, with 28g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (193% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 54g 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, about 4-5 medium tomatoes should suffice. Blanch, peel, and chop them before blending. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require additional seasoning to match the flavor of canned varieties.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when blending. Adjust the spice level to your preference and remember that you can always add more, but it's harder to reduce the heat once it's in.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. There are many varieties available, such as rice or corn-based pasta, that will work well with this sauce. Always check labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included.
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).