Methodist Spaghetti Sauce

Dive into the comforting flavors of Methodist Spaghetti Sauce, a rich and hearty homemade pasta sauce that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. This classic recipe blends ground beef, simmered with sweet onions, garlic, and caramelized tomato paste, to build a deeply flavorful base. The addition of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a hint of brown sugar creates a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, while dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes add a subtle herbaceous kick. Simmered low and slow for maximum richness, this versatile sauce can be served over spaghetti or any pasta of your choice and topped with Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry staples, this crowd-pleasing spaghetti sauce will become your new go-to recipe for comforting, home-style meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday dinners alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup water (or beef broth for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm.

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains (approximately 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 5

Push the beef and onion mixture to the sides of the pot and add the tomato paste to the center. Cook the paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, to caramelize and deepen the flavor.

Step 6

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 7

Mix in the brown sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 8

Pour in the cup of water (or beef broth) and stir to thin the sauce slightly.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., adding more salt, pepper, or sugar based on your preference).

Step 11

Serve the Methodist Spaghetti Sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2105.4 grams (2105.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1591

Total Fat 102.90g	132%
Saturated Fat 35.20g	176%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 4663mg	203%
Total Carbohydrate 90.10g	33%
Dietary Fiber 17.10g	61%
Total Sugars 60.40g
Protein 91.10g	182%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 299mg	23%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 3184mg	68%

*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: 56.1%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 21.8%