The Ultimate Hearty Spaghetti Sauce Recipe: A Family Favorite
The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: A Cozy Classic
Nothing says comfort quite like a big bowl of spaghetti coated in a rich, meaty sauce. This classic spaghetti meat sauce is loaded with flavor, easy to make in large batches, and perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With beef, veggies, bold spices, and a slow simmer, it creates spectacular depth you can’t get from a jar. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, learn how to bring this Italian-American staple to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Big, Bold Flavor: Browning beef and sauteing vegetables build a savory base, while a long simmer brings everything together.
- Feeds a Crowd: The recipe is designed for large gatherings and ideal for freezing leftovers.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with spaghetti, garlic bread, stuffed pastas, or as a baked pasta base.
- Convenient Batch Cooking: Make ahead for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This sauce uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to achieve classic Italian-American flavor. Here is the full list:
- 5 lb. ground beef (ground round is recommended for less grease)
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 whole large yellow onions, diced
- 2 whole green bell peppers, seeded and diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine (or sub low-sodium beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 jar good-quality store-bought marinara sauce
- 1 tsp. ground oregano
- 1 tsp. ground thyme
- 4 whole bay leaves
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley (or 3 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes)
- 1 whole rind from a wedge of parmesan (optional, for depth and richness)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra umami)
- 2 lb. spaghetti, cooked al dente and tossed with a drizzle of olive oil
- Extra parsley and parmesan for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown the Beef
In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until deeply browned. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl and set aside. (Don’t worry if a little pink remains—the beef will finish cooking in the sauce.) - Sauté Vegetables
Pour off excess grease, leaving any brown bits on the bottom for flavor. Add olive oil. Once hot, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 1 1/2 minutes until just softened, then stir in sliced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. - Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour wine (or beef broth) into pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the liquid bubble and reduce for about 1–2 minutes. Stir in all crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara sauce until well combined. - Season and Simmer
Add oregano, thyme, bay leaves, sugar, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper (if desired). Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir well. - Simmer for Flavor
Cover and let sauce simmer gently on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the liquid gets too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth. - Finishing Touches
After an hour, add fresh parsley and the optional parmesan rind or grated cheese. Stir to combine. Continue to simmer, partially covered, for another 30 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaves and parmesan rind before serving.
Expert Cooking Tips & Ingredient Swaps
- Meat Options: Swap part of the beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
- No Wine? Use beef broth or even water as a deglazer; the flavor will still shine.
- Vegetarian Twist: Omit beef entirely and use chopped mushrooms or lentils for hearty texture.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made a day or two ahead for even deeper flavor.
- Texture Tips: Want a smoother sauce? Use an immersion blender to puree part of the mixture before adding back the meat.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is perfect tossed with spaghetti, but don’t stop there! Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Spaghetti Night: Ladle generously over al dente spaghetti, garnish with parsley and parmesan, and serve with garlic-cheese bread.
- For Garlic Bread: Spoon sauce onto toasted garlic bread and top with mozzarella for a hearty snack.
- Pasta Bake: Mix with cooked penne and mozzarella, then bake until golden and bubbly.
- Stuffed Pasta Shells: Pour over ricotta-stuffed shells or ravioli for extra richness.
- Meal Prep and Freezer-Friendly: Portion cooled sauce into containers and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
Batch Cooking, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
- Large Batch Size: This recipe makes enough for around 18 servings and can easily be halved.
- Chill Promptly: Let sauce cool completely before portioning for freezer storage.
- Freeze Smart: Use zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers. Lay flat for quicker freezing and thawing.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat slowly from frozen over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Lasts in Refrigerator: Store in the fridge up to 5 days.
Pasta Cooking FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is ‘al dente’ pasta? | Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian—pasta is tender but still has a slight bite in the center. |
| How do I prevent sticky noodles? | Toss drained pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, especially before mixing with sauce. |
| Can I use other types of noodles? | Absolutely! This sauce is a great match for penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even cheesy baked dishes. |
| What vegetables can I add? | Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor. |
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this sauce without meat?
A: Yes, simply omit the ground beef and substitute with diced mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternatives to make a vegetarian version.
Q: Is it necessary to add sugar?
A: Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, less tangy sauce. You can reduce or omit it if preferred, or replace with a pinch of grated carrot.
Q: Why add a parmesan rind?
A: Simmering a parmesan rind in the sauce adds subtle umami and creamy depth; simply remove and discard before serving.
Q: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced red chili for extra heat.
Q: Can this sauce be canned for pantry storage?
A: Home canning of meat sauces requires specialized safety steps. For most home cooks, freezing is easier and safer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Sauce
- Use the highest quality crushed tomatoes and marinara you can find for best results.
- Let the sauce simmer gently—avoid rapid boiling to preserve texture.
- Skim excess fat during simmering if your beef is particularly fatty.
- Add fresh basil or a splash of cream at the end for a flavor twist.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
How to Make Garlic-Cheese Bread (Serving Suggestion)
- Slice a loaf of Italian or French bread lengthwise.
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley; spread generously.
- Top with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Broil until bubbling and golden.
- Serve hot alongside your spaghetti for a classic combo.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
This recipe, as written, is rich and hearty—ideal for feeding active families or guests. For a lighter dish, swap in part turkey or lean beef, double the vegetables, or use whole grain pasta.
- Calories: Varies depending on meat and serving size, but is generally 350–450 per cup of sauce.
- Protein: A good source of iron and protein from beef.
- Fiber: Boosted by vegetables and tomato products.
- Allergens: Contains dairy (if adding cheese); confirm ingredients if sensitive.
Wrap-Up: Why This Sauce is a Family Tradition
Classic spaghetti sauce, slowly simmered and generously seasoned, turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary. This is the kind of dish that gets better as it sits, lending itself to easy sharing, big family moments, and second helpings. Try it with a crowd, freeze some for later, and make it your own with small touches each time.
References
- https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/442492180/pioneer-womans-spaghetti-sauce/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11690/spaghetti-sauce/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43660321/tomato-sauce-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GYE2ZphmxQ
- http://www.hellokirsti.com/2012/10/pioneer-woman-spaghetti-meat-sauce.html
- http://ioanaskitchen.blogspot.com/2022/01/rees-slow-cooker-spaghetti-sauce.html
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