Wayne'S Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground beef, fresh mushrooms, and Italian seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry hamburger with chopped onion and bell pepper until cooked.
- Drain excess oil from the hamburger mixture.
- Clean and slice fresh mushrooms.
- Boil mushrooms in salted water until tender.
- Drain mushrooms, reserving about 1/3 cup of water.
- Add cooked hamburger mixture, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to a pot.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, pepper flakes, dehydrated garlic, celery seed, and hot sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for a while while boiling spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste, or use jarred marinara if you're short on time. If you enjoy mushrooms, add more than suggested or include other vegetables for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or Cavatappi Pompilio, for a delightful meal. A simple side salad and garlic bread would complement the dish well. For a heartier option, pair it with Mary Greco'S Italian Meatballs for a fulfilling dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wayne'S Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 405 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 745mg per serving (32% 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 canned ones?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2-3 cups, depending on their size. Blanch and peel them before adding to the sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired thickness.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make this sauce vegetarian, simply omit the hamburger and replace it with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. You can also add lentils or beans for protein, ensuring a hearty and satisfying dish.
What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is a classic choice, this sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes. Consider using penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli, as their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. For a twist, try it with Pizz-Zanga(Pizza-Lasagna) for a fun fusion dish.
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).