Hearty Family Spaghetti Sauce
This Hearty Family Spaghetti Sauce brings together the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals, reminiscent of my mother's delightful recipes. A perfect blend of savory ingredients creates a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates any pasta dish. Ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy family dinner, this sauce is easy to prepare and boasts a layer of depth from its long simmer. It's the kind of recipe that draws people in with its tantalizing smell and irresistible taste, perfect for serving alongside a generous helping of spaghetti and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
8
Servings
265
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Ground Beef
1 1/2 lbs (or a mixture of beef, pork, and veal)
Green Bell Pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Mushrooms
1/2 lb (chopped)
Tomato Paste
2 (6-ounce) cans
Italian Stewed Tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can
Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons
Angostura Bitters
1 1/2 teaspoons
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Dry Red Wine
1/2 cup
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (fresh ground)
Celery Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Bay Leaves
2 (whole)
Cayenne Pepper
1 dash
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed kettle or pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become transparent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground meat to the pot, and cook until nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
4
Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and mushrooms, cooking until they soften, roughly 5 minutes.
5
Add the tomato paste and the can of Italian stewed tomatoes, mixing well to combine.
6
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Angostura bitters, sugar, and dry red wine, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
7
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, celery salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper for added heat.
8
Add the bay leaves to the pot to enhance the flavor. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
9
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
10
Once finished, serve hot over your favorite warm pasta, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Family Spaghetti Sauce?
It is a rich, aromatic, and savory sauce inspired by traditional home-cooked recipes, featuring a blend of meat, mushrooms, and spices simmered to perfection.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes enough sauce for 8 servings.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef or a mixture of beef, pork, and veal for a more complex flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this spaghetti sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 265 calories.
What are the primary fats used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste.
What kind of canned tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of Italian stewed tomatoes.
What unique liquid ingredients add depth to this sauce?
The recipe features Worcestershire sauce, Angostura bitters, and 1/2 cup of dry red wine.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What spices provide the seasoning for this sauce?
The seasoning includes salt, fresh ground black pepper, celery salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
How many bay leaves should I add?
Add 2 whole bay leaves to the pot while simmering.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 17.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are transparent and fragrant.
When should I add the mushrooms and bell peppers?
Add them after browning the meat and cook for roughly 5 minutes until they soften.
What type of pot is recommended for cooking?
A large, heavy-bottomed kettle or pot is ideal for even heat distribution.
Should I stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Is the sauce simmered covered or uncovered?
The sauce should be simmered uncovered.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
Serve it hot over your favorite warm pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
Yes, a dash of cayenne pepper is included to provide a subtle heat.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 lb of chopped mushrooms.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of black pepper is best?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The onion should be chopped (1/2 cup total).
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What makes this sauce suitable for gatherings?
Its rich depth from long simmering and its comforting, family-style flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations.