Old World Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this hearty and flavorful Old World Spaghetti Meat Sauce. This recipe combines the rich, slow-simmered depth of crushed tomatoes, red wine, and caramelized tomato paste with the savory goodness of ground beef and pork. Aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme infuse the sauce with classic Italian flavors, while a hint of sugar balances the acidity. Perfectly paired with al dente spaghetti, this dish is finished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic touch. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this comforting spaghetti sauce is a timeless favorite that brings the warmth of an Old World kitchen straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pounds ground pork
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cups red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 0 grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine, stirring to combine.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2337.3 grams (2337.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3103

Total Fat 163.30g	209%
Saturated Fat 55.50g	278%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 529mg	176%
Sodium 2730mg	119%
Total Carbohydrate 224.60g	82%
Dietary Fiber 27.60g	99%
Total Sugars 54.80g
Protein 177.50g	355%

Vitamin D 2IU	10%
Calcium 522mg	40%
Iron 27mg	147%
Potassium 4806mg	102%

*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: 47.7%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 29.2%