Hearty Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce
This robust and savory spaghetti sauce is a true labor of love, combining the rich flavors of both hot and sweet Italian sausage for a delightful balance of heat and sweetness. Infused with vibrant vegetables like onions and bell peppers, and enriched with aromatic garlic, this sauce becomes the perfect companion to your favorite pasta. Simmered low and slow to develop deep flavors, it's a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the soul. For an even more indulgent meal, serve it with homemade meatballs for a taste of classic Italian comfort.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Italian sausage link
1/2 lb (whole)
Sweet Italian sausage link
1/2 lb (whole)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Olive oil
as needed (for sautéing)
Whole tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (squashed)
Tomato paste
2 (6 ounce) cans (none)
Water
2 (6 ounce) cans (none)
Italian seasoning
to taste (none)
Oregano
to taste (none)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Parsley flakes
to taste (none)
Sliced mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by leaving the hot and sweet Italian sausage links whole. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausages for about 45 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
3
In a large Dutch oven, combine the browned sausages and the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the squashed whole tomatoes, tomato paste, and water, mixing well.
4
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, oregano, bay leaves, ground black pepper, and parsley flakes to taste. Stir in the drained sliced mushrooms.
5
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
6
For an unforgettable meal, serve the sauce over spaghetti and accompany it with Mom's Italian Meatballs for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of sausage are used in this Hearty Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of both hot Italian sausage links and sweet Italian sausage links.
How much sausage is required for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 lb of hot Italian sausage links and 1/2 lb of sweet Italian sausage links.
Should the sausage links be cut before browning?
No, the instructions specify leaving the hot and sweet Italian sausage links whole during the browning process.
How long does it take to brown the sausages?
The sausages should be browned in a skillet over medium heat for approximately 45 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and drained sliced mushrooms.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the first step in preparing the vegetables?
After browning the sausages, you sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The onion, bell pepper, and garlic should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until aromatic.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the base?
The recipe uses one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes that have been squashed.
How much tomato paste is added to the sauce?
Two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste are used in this recipe.
How much water is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires two 6-ounce cans worth of water.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with Italian seasoning, oregano, bay leaves, ground black pepper, and parsley flakes.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe specifies using 2 whole bay leaves.
When do I add the sliced mushrooms?
The drained sliced mushrooms are stirred into the sauce along with the seasonings before simmering.
What is the recommended cooking vessel for simmering the sauce?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for combining the ingredients and simmering the sauce.
How long does the spaghetti sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat for 2 to 3 hours.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the Dutch oven while the sauce simmers.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick during the long simmer?
If the sauce gets too thick, you can add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
How often should the sauce be stirred?
You should stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering to prevent scorching on the bottom.
What is the yield or number of servings for this recipe?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this sauce?
The recipe specifically suggests serving the sauce over spaghetti.
Is there a specific side dish recommended to complete the meal?
The description suggests serving the sauce with homemade meatballs, specifically Mom's Italian Meatballs.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1 large onion, chopped.
How much green bell pepper is needed?
You will need 1/2 of a green bell pepper, chopped.
What size is the can of sliced mushrooms?
The recipe uses one 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms.
Should the mushrooms be drained?
Yes, the instructions state the mushrooms should be drained before being added to the sauce.
What oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
Olive oil is used to sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic.
What is the heat setting for browning the sausages?
The sausages should be browned over medium heat.
Is the sausage chopped after browning?
The instructions keep the sausages whole when adding them to the Dutch oven after browning.
What flavor profile does the mix of sausages provide?
The combination of hot and sweet Italian sausage provides a balance of heat and sweetness.