Hearty Spaghetti Sauce

Elevate your pasta nights with this rich and flavorful Hearty Spaghetti Sauce—a comforting classic that’s perfect for the whole family. This homemade sauce combines tender ground beef (or a pork-beef mix) with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of Italian seasonings to create a robust, savory base. Simmered with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a hint of sugar for balance, this sauce achieves a velvety consistency and deep, slow-cooked flavor in just under an hour. A dash of red pepper flakes offers optional heat, while fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Serve this versatile sauce over your favorite pasta and finish with freshly grated Parmesan for an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this hearty dish will quickly become a family favorite! SEO-friendly keywords: hearty spaghetti sauce, homemade pasta sauce, classic Italian recipe, family-friendly dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork/beef mix)
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0 fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water, mixing well to combine.

Step 6

Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

If desired, stir in fresh parsley before serving for a pop of freshness.

Step 10

Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1727.5 grams (1727.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1734

Total Fat 122.30g	157%
Saturated Fat 41.60g	208%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 367mg	122%
Sodium 2625mg	114%
Total Carbohydrate 76.40g	28%
Dietary Fiber 18.20g	65%
Total Sugars 47.70g
Protein 93.10g	186%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 411mg	32%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 4522mg	96%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.9%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 17.2%