Vena'S Spaghetti Sauce
Vena's Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, savory tomato-based sauce with ground beef and aromatic herbs, perfect for hearty pasta dishes and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large kettle and season with oregano, salt, and ground basil.
- Add tomato paste or puree and water to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Add the remaining ingredients: garlic powder, oregano, salt, and wine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 4 hours, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato paste. If you prefer a meatier sauce, you can substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage. Fresh herbs can also elevate the taste; add them in the last hour of cooking for the best flavor. This sauce is perfect for traditional Italian recipes like Spaghetti Bolognese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over al dente pasta for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dinner. For a twist, try using it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes. It can also complement dishes like Easy Italian Supper or 5 Cheese Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to restore its consistency. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vena'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 315 calories, with 15g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1906mg per serving (83% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to cook them down to achieve a similar consistency. Use about 6-8 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, and simmer them until thickened before adding other ingredients.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils. You might also want to enhance the flavor with additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers sautéed in place of the meat.
What type of wine should I use?
A dry red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best for this sauce. However, if you prefer white wine, a dry Sauvignon Blanc can also complement the flavors nicely. Avoid using sweet wines, as they can alter the taste of the sauce.
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).