Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Immerse yourself in the rich, heartwarming flavors of "Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce," a timeless recipe that's a homage to traditional Italian cooking. This slow-simmered masterpiece combines sautéed onions and garlic with a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, creating a robust base for layers of deep, tangy flavor. Crushed tomatoes, a touch of red wine, and aromatic spices like dried oregano and basil infuse every bite with comforting authenticity, while fresh parsley and basil added at the end provide a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and spice, this sauce is ideal for draping over tender pasta or simmering in your favorite lasagna recipe. With its long cooking time that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, this classic Italian spaghetti sauce delivers a satisfying, homemade touch guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces Canned tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup Red wine
• 2 teaspoons Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 6 leaves Fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Add water, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance flavor, if necessary.

Step 10

In the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and torn basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.

Step 11

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2494.1 grams (2494.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2615

Total Fat 182.90g	234%
Saturated Fat 61.80g	309%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 473mg	158%
Sodium 6651mg	289%
Total Carbohydrate 119.70g	44%
Dietary Fiber 26.00g	93%
Total Sugars 70.50g
Protein 127.60g	255%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 483mg	37%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 6596mg	140%

*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: 62.5%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 18.2%