Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
User Reviews
4.2
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
16 servings
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Calories
129 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce starts by browning a mix of ground beef and pork for a balanced meat flavor, then cooking diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant without draining the fat. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste provide depth and thickness, while Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add herbaceous and mild heat notes. A touch of sugar balances acidity from the tomatoes. The sauce simmers uncovered for two to four hours to reduce and intensify flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The result is a thick, hearty sauce with a rich tomato and seasoned meat profile, ideal for serving over spaghetti or other pasta.
Adjust sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes to personal taste toward the end of cooking. Substitutions for Italian seasoning with individual herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme allow customization of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork see notes
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 56 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork until no longer pink. Do not drain.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot with the meat and cook over low heat until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 hours.
- Taste and add additional sugar, salt, or red pepper as desired.
Notes
- Using plain ground pork allows better control of seasoning compared to pre-seasoned sausage.
- Italian sausage can be substituted if preferred but may alter flavor balance.
- For best flavor and thickness, simmer uncovered for up to four hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust sugar, salt, and red pepper toward the end to balance acidity and spice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 129 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 129kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 462mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 494mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 415IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.2
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