Methodist Spaghetti Sauce
Dive into the comforting flavors of Methodist Spaghetti Sauce, a rich and hearty homemade pasta sauce that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. This classic recipe blends ground beef, simmered with sweet onions, garlic, and caramelized tomato paste, to build a deeply flavorful base. The addition of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a hint of brown sugar creates a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, while dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes add a subtle herbaceous kick. Simmered low and slow for maximum richness, this versatile sauce can be served over spaghetti or any pasta of your choice and topped with Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry staples, this crowd-pleasing spaghetti sauce will become your new go-to recipe for comforting, home-style meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday dinners alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup water (or beef broth for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains (approximately 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Push the beef and onion mixture to the sides of the pot and add the tomato paste to the center. Cook the paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Mix in the brown sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour in the cup of water (or beef broth) and stir to thin the sauce slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., adding more salt, pepper, or sugar based on your preference).
Serve the Methodist Spaghetti Sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.9 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.2 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 4663 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.1 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.4 g | ||
| Protein | 91.1 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 299 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 3184 mg | 68% | |
*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.
