Yummy Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground beef, herbs, and tomato goodness, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, offering rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute beef, onion, and garlic in a large, heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding red wine or a splash of balsamic vinegar when cooking the meat. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or sausage can be great substitutes. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones; use about three times the amount. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the sauce. This sauce is versatile and can also be used in dishes like My Italian Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Yummy Spaghetti Sauce over al dente spaghetti, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a variation, try using the sauce in Stuffed Italiano Green Peppers or as a base for Spaghetti Rolls. Don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 518 calories, with 14g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value), and calcium (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1500mg per serving (65% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, about 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes will work well. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and add them in place of the canned tomato products. You may need to adjust the cooking time to allow for additional moisture.
How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened. Adding grated Parmesan cheese can also help to thicken and enrich the sauce.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you're ready to serve, and it will be ready to enjoy with your favorite pasta.
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).