Hearty Veggie-Loaded Tomato Sauce
This Hearty Veggie-Loaded Tomato Sauce is a family favorite that not only pleases the palate but also sneaks in an array of nutritious vegetables. Bursting with flavors, this sauce balances the richness of savory meats with the freshness of garden vegetables. With no added sugars, it's a perfect choice for health-conscious families. The use of ground chicken sausage and fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions creates a delectable medley that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for other dishes. It's a great way to keep everyone happy while ensuring they’re eating their veggies! Prepare a big batch and savor leftovers throughout the week or freeze for a quick dinner option later on.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Italian chicken sausage
1 lb (browned and crumbled)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
minced garlic cloves
3 (fresh)
medium celery ribs
2 (diced)
carrots
2 (peeled and shredded)
dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon
dried basil leaves
1 tablespoon
celery salt
1 teaspoon
dried red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
paprika
1 teaspoon
tomato sauce
14 ounces (canned)
tomato juice
11 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
red table wine
1/4 cup (optional)
water
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian chicken sausage together. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meats as they cook, ensuring they're well combined and fully browned.
2
In a separate Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and limp.
3
Next, add the minced garlic, diced celery, and shredded carrots to the Dutch oven. Sauté the mixture for an additional 3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
4
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, celery salt, red pepper flakes, and paprika, allowing the spices to bloom for 2 more minutes.
5
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned meats from the skillet into the Dutch oven. Mix well to incorporate the meat with the vegetables.
6
Add the tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato paste, red table wine (if using), and water into the pot. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8
After simmering, turn off the heat and cover the sauce, letting it cool to room temperature. If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand blender to pulse the sauce a few times.
9
Reheat the sauce before serving over pasta. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of the Hearty Veggie-Loaded Tomato Sauce?
This sauce is a nutritious family favorite that sneaks in various vegetables and contains no added sugars, making it a healthy choice.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef and one pound of Italian chicken sausage.
Which vegetables are hidden in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onions, minced garlic, diced celery, and shredded carrots.
How long should I sauté the onions?
You should sauté the onions in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and limp.
What is the recommended preparation for the carrots?
The carrots should be peeled and shredded before being added to the sauce.
What dried herbs are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano leaves and dried basil leaves.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Can I make the sauce have a smoother texture?
Yes, after cooling, you can use a hand blender to pulse the sauce a few times for a smoother consistency.
How long can I store this sauce in the refrigerator?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this tomato sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 4 months.
Is the red table wine a mandatory ingredient?
No, the red table wine is listed as an optional ingredient.
What amount of tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How much tomato sauce and juice are needed?
You will need 14 ounces of tomato sauce and 11 ounces of tomato juice.
What is 'blooming' the spices?
Blooming involves stirring the spices into the vegetable mixture for about 2 minutes to enhance their flavor before adding liquids.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it is designed as a big batch suitable for families or meal prepping.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Do I need to cook the meat separately?
Yes, the ground beef and chicken sausage should be browned and crumbled in a separate skillet before being added to the vegetable base.
What spices provide a bit of heat to the sauce?
Dried red pepper flakes are included to provide a subtle hint of spice.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 3 minced fresh garlic cloves.
Is there any water added to the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is added along with the tomato products.
What is the purpose of the celery salt?
Celery salt is used as a seasoning to deepen the savory flavor profile of the sauce.
Can I use this sauce for dishes other than pasta?
Absolutely, it can be used as a base for various other dishes beyond just a pasta topping.
How should I reheat the sauce?
The instructions recommend reheating the sauce on the stove before serving it over your favorite pasta.
Does the sauce contain any added sugar?
No, this recipe is specifically designed to have no added sugars.
What equipment is needed for the vegetables?
You will need a Dutch oven to sauté the vegetables and simmer the sauce.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions state to let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
How many celery ribs are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium celery ribs, diced.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is browning the ground beef and Italian chicken sausage together in a large skillet.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of fresh chopped onions.
What is the suggested way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week or frozen for a quick dinner option later on.