Grandads Pasta Sauce
Indulge in the hearty, family-loved flavors of Grandad's Pasta Sauce, a timeless recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table. This rich, slow-simmered sauce combines the depth of sautéed onions, garlic, and a medley of finely chopped carrots and celery with the savory richness of ground beef or Italian sausage. Enhanced with red wine and aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and bay leaf, this sauce boasts an irresistible depth of flavor. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, while fresh parsley adds a bright, finishing touch. Simple to prepare but packed with complexity, this sauce is perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Prep your ingredients in just 15 minutes and let the low-and-slow cooking technique do the rest, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. Perfectly suited for hearty meals, this recipe serves six and promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 cup water or beef stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they become translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Add the chopped carrots and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the crushed tomatoes, water or beef stock, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let it simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serve hot over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1843 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.8 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.7 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 301 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 3828 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.7 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.5 g | ||
| Protein | 91.8 g | 184% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 362 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 4214 mg | 90% | |
*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.
