Rich and Zesty Italian Spaghetti Sauce
This Rich and Zesty Italian Spaghetti Sauce is a delightful twist on a classic family favorite. I began with a beloved recipe that was slightly mild for my tastes, but through a series of culinary experiments and additions, I've crafted a robust sauce that bursts with vibrant flavors. The combination of sautéed garlic, Italian sausage, and aromatic herbs creates a savory base, while the inclusion of mushrooms, green peppers, and optional Tabasco sauce delivers an exciting depth. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this sauce pairs beautifully over al dente spaghetti, inviting everyone to savor the warmth and comfort of homemade Italian cuisine. Whether you're looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this sauce will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Italian sausage or beef
1 lb (browned with onions)
Onion
1/2 (chopped)
Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
Mushroom pieces
6 ounces (reserve the liquid)
Green pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Tomato sauce
28 ounces (canned)
Tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
Water or mushroom juice
1/2 cup (to reach desired consistency)
Minced parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons (fresh or dried)
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
Tabasco sauce (optional)
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, brown the ground Italian sausage (or beef) along with the chopped onion over medium heat. Cook until the meat is well-browned and no longer pink, and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2
While the meat is cooking, heat the oil in a large kettle or stock pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, mushroom pieces, and chopped green pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the garlic is aromatic.
3
Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and your choice of water or reserved mushroom juice to the sautéed mixture. Stir in the minced parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and optional Tabasco sauce. Mix well until evenly combined.
4
Cover the pot and allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Once the sauce has simmered, add the browned meat and onion mixture to the pot. Stir to combine and cover again. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
If desired, taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Serve hot over cooked and drained spaghetti noodles for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
8.5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
6.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Rich and Zesty Italian Spaghetti Sauce.
What type of meat is used in this sauce?
You can use 1 lb of ground Italian sausage or ground beef.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 of an onion, chopped.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 2-3 minced garlic cloves.
What size of tomato sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
How much tomato paste is used?
You will need 6 ounces of canned tomato paste.
What vegetables are sautéed for this sauce?
Garlic cloves, mushroom pieces, and green pepper are sautéed together.
How long should I sauté the garlic and peppers?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
What can I use to adjust the sauce consistency?
You can use 1/2 cup of water or reserved mushroom juice.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of mushroom pieces; remember to reserve the liquid.
Is there any sugar in this spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
What dried herbs are included?
The sauce uses dried oregano and a whole bay leaf.
Can I make the sauce spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of optional Tabasco sauce to make it zesty.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How long does the sauce simmer before adding the meat?
The sauce should simmer covered on low heat for 15 minutes before the meat is added.
How long does the sauce simmer after adding the meat?
It simmers for an additional 20 minutes once the meat is combined.
What is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is 35 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 8.5 grams.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
The sauce contains 6.25 grams of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total.
What should I do with the meat grease?
You should drain any excess grease from the skillet after browning the meat.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
You can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of either fresh or dried minced parsley.
Is garlic powder used in addition to fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder along with the fresh minced garlic.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to brown the ground Italian sausage or beef with chopped onion.
In what type of container should the main sauce be cooked?
The sauce should be cooked in a large kettle or stock pot.
How should the sauce be served?
It should be served hot over cooked and drained spaghetti noodles.
What makes this sauce different from mild versions?
The addition of garlic, mushrooms, green peppers, and optional Tabasco creates a more robust and vibrant flavor profile.