Portly Spaghetti Sauce
Indulge in the bold, comforting flavors of Portly Spaghetti Sauce, a rich and hearty recipe that transforms your pasta nights into a true Italian-inspired feast. This robust sauce features a savory blend of browned ground beef, fragrant garlic, and sautéed onions simmered together with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth for a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Enhanced with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, a hint of sugar to balance acidity, and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for gentle heat, this sauce is slow-simmered to perfection in just 45 minutes. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, Portly Spaghetti Sauce is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll return to again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serve the hearty sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1758 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 124.5 g | 160% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.7 g | 208% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 324 mg | 108% | |
| Sodium | 4654 mg | 202% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.9 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.1 g | ||
| Protein | 94.9 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 453 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 4529 mg | 96% | |
*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.
