Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Overview
Indulge in the delectable delight of this homemade spaghetti sauce, a cherished recipe passed down from a friend. With its rich flavors and savory aroma, it’s sure to become a household favorite! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game to new heights.
Recipe Information
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 quarts
- Calories: 746.9 per serving
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Review Count: 9 reviews
Ingredients
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 2-3 pounds of ground hamburger
- 1 onion
- 1 green pepper
- 1/2 pound of Polish sausage
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 cans of chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of molasses
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Start by pouring the tomato sauce into a large stockpot, preferably 8 quarts or larger.
- Brown the Meat: In a separate skillet, brown the ground hamburger until cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease and add the meat to the pot.
- Sear the Sausage: Next, brown the Polish sausage in the same skillet used for the hamburger. Once browned, add it to the pot with the other ingredients.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the remaining grease from the sausage, sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic until they become tender and fragrant. Aim for a golden brown color for added flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked aromatics to the pot with the other ingredients.
- Simmer: Begin simmering the sauce over low heat in the stockpot.
- Season: Now, add the molasses, brown sugar, fresh basil, and dried basil to the pot, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Let It Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together. Feel free to let it simmer longer for even richer taste.
- Divide and Freeze: Once the sauce is cooked to perfection, divide it into 1-quart containers for easy storage. This sauce freezes beautifully, making it convenient for future use.
- Thaw and Serve: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the desired amount in the microwave or overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop while you cook your favorite spaghetti noodles.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the luscious sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a truly irresistible meal.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Enhance Italian Flavors: For a more robust Italian flavor profile, add extra Italian seasoning and consider using Italian sausage instead of or in addition to the Polish sausage.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for several months, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your personal preferences. Experiment with different combinations to create your signature spaghetti sauce masterpiece!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 746.9
- Fat: 29.5g
- Saturated Fat: 10.7g
- Cholesterol: 127.9mg
- Sodium: 3227.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 81.8g
- Fiber: 8.7g
- Sugar: 57.3g
- Protein: 44.3g
Conclusion
With its irresistible blend of savory meats, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato base, this spaghetti sauce is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a festive gathering, its comforting flavors and homemade goodness will keep everyone coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
