Hearty Backyard Spaghetti Sauce for 50
Serve up a crowd-pleasing feast with this Hearty Backyard Spaghetti Sauce for 50—a rich, homemade Italian-inspired sauce that's perfect for large gatherings, family reunions, or backyard parties. Featuring a flavorful combination of tender ground beef and savory Italian sausage, this recipe is slow-simmered with fragrant garlic, onions, and a medley of herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley for depth of flavor. A generous blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce creates a perfectly balanced tomato base, while a hint of sugar rounds out the acidity. Cooked low and slow for maximum richness, this sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or prepping for a big celebration, this hearty spaghetti sauce is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers comforting, homemade flavor in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Olive oil
- 6 cups Yellow onions, finely chopped
- 25 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 10 pounds Ground beef
- 5 pounds Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 4 gallons Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 12 ounces Tomato paste
- 6 cups Tomato sauce
- 6 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons Dried basil
- 6 tablespoons Dried oregano
- 4 tablespoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a very large pot (at least 18-quart capacity), heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped yellow onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to medium, and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Mix well to combine.
Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the mixture. Stir thoroughly.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to preference.
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley about 10 minutes before the sauce is finished cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve the hearty spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.2 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 1396 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.7 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 27.7 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 119 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1172 mg | 25% | |
*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.
