Very Tasty Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, savory spaghetti sauce packed with fresh vegetables, garlic, and herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 6 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 12 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 7 pounds tomatoes (fresh or canned) ⓘ
- 26 ounces tomato paste ⓘ
- 48 ounces tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons oregano ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 7 medium bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour a thin layer of olive oil into an 8 to 10-quart pot.
- Add the chopped onions, green peppers, celery, and mushrooms.
- Using medium heat, sauté until tender.
- Add chopped garlic; simmer a few moments more.
- Remove the mixture to a bowl.
- Brown the ground beef in the pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except flour, to the pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Remove tomato cores and bay leaves, if possible.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; feel free to substitute dried herbs with fresh ones at a 3:1 ratio. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is perfect over spaghetti, but it also pairs beautifully with Good Lasagna or Rigatoni I. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Very Tasty Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1129 calories, with 48g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), iron (168% of the Daily Value), and protein (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2045mg per serving (89% 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, canned tomatoes are a great alternative. Choose whole or diced canned tomatoes for convenience. Just ensure you drain any excess liquid to maintain the sauce's consistency. Canned tomatoes can also provide a more consistent flavor throughout the year.
How long can I simmer the sauce?
You can simmer the sauce for longer than an hour if you prefer a deeper flavor. Just keep an eye on the consistency, adding a little water or tomato juice if it thickens too much. This sauce benefits from longer cooking times, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce?
This sauce pairs well with various pasta dishes, particularly spaghetti and Sauced Mostaccioli. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread and a classic Caesar salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve over stuffed pasta or use it as a meat sauce in lasagna.
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).