Sandra This Paula Deen Spaghetti Sauce is a quick and savory recipe, which is made with ground beef and stewed tomatoes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 45 minutes.
Paula Deen Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large chopped onion
- 1 chopped green bell pepper
- 1 clove chopped garlic
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Paula Deen Spaghetti Sauce
- Brown the Beef: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, drain off the excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent.
- Combine the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and stewed tomatoes (with their juice). Add the 1 cup of water, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most flavor? The most important step for a rich sauce is to brown the beef properly until it has some nice color. Sautéing the vegetables until they are soft also builds a fantastic sweet and savory flavor base.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Like most spaghetti sauces, the flavor is even better the next day after the ingredients have had more time to meld together in the refrigerator.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a very thick sauce, you can simply let it simmer for a little longer with the lid slightly ajar. This will allow more of the water to evaporate and the sauce to reduce.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Finely chopped carrots or celery added in with the onion is a classic way to add more depth and nutrition. Sliced mushrooms are also a delicious addition.
What To Serve With Spaghetti Sauce
This is a classic meat sauce that is a staple for a reason. It is traditionally served with:
- A generous portion of cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape.
- A side of warm, crusty garlic bread for sopping up the sauce.
- A simple Caesar salad or a green salad with Italian vinaigrette.
- A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
How To Store Spaghetti Sauce
- Refrigerate: Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Spaghetti Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 1150mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, this recipe is fantastic with a 50/50 mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor. You can also use lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
Stewed tomatoes are a classic Southern ingredient that are softer and often sweeter than other canned tomatoes. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with a can of diced or crushed tomatoes.
Yes, this is a great recipe for the slow cooker. Simply follow the steps to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything to a crock pot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Paula Deen Sweetened Condensed Milk Rice Pudding Recipe
- Paula Deen Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Paula Deen Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Description
A quick and easy weeknight meat sauce, packed with savory ground beef, stewed tomatoes, and classic Italian-American seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef, then drain off the excess fat.
- Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, water, and all the seasonings.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- The most important tip for a flavorful sauce is to brown the beef well and drain the fat before adding the other ingredients.
- A small amount of sugar is a classic secret ingredient that helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- This sauce is a perfect make-ahead meal, as the flavors become even richer and more developed the next day.
- Don’t be shy with the seasonings! A well-seasoned sauce is a delicious sauce.
