Spaghetti Sauce for a Large Group

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this hearty Spaghetti Sauce for a Large Group is a crowd-pleaser that serves up to 20 people with ease. Loaded with rich flavors, this recipe combines ground beef and Italian sausage with a medley of tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of red wine for a robust, slow-simmered sauce that’s irresistibly comforting. The inclusion of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes adds depth and a customizable kick, while the sauce thickens beautifully for an authentic, homemade touch. Serve over your favorite pasta with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete Italian feast the whole group will love!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 20 min
• Servings: 20 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

20 items

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 yellow onions, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1.5 pounds ground Italian sausage
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 56 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

📝 Instructions

13 steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

5. Drain any excess grease from the pot.

6. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

7. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Stir well to combine.

8. Add the sugar, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate.

9. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

10. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce, if desired.

11. Stir in the fresh parsley and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

12. Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired before serving.

13. Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Pair with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (5508.8g)

Calories		5501
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		376.5 g	483%
	Saturated Fat	132.3 g	662%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	2.7 g
Cholesterol		1125 mg	375%
Sodium		13059 mg	568%
Total Carbohydrate		227.8 g	83%
	Dietary Fiber	56.4 g	201%
	Total Sugars	132.7 g
Protein		298.3 g	597%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		1558 mg	120%
Iron		56.6 mg	314%
Potassium		12883 mg	274%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3388 cal (61.7%%)

Protein: 1193 cal (21.7%%)

Carbs: 911 cal (16.6%%)