Spaghetti sauce is a classic and versatile dish that brings comfort to many dinner tables. This particular recipe for Meaty Spaghetti Sauce takes the flavors to a whole new level by combining lean ground beef, Italian sausage, and an array of delicious ingredients. What sets this recipe apart is the slow cooker method, allowing the sauce to simmer for an extended period, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) lean ground beef
- ½ pound (225 g) Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces, or 785 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces, or 170 g) no-salt-added tomato paste
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
- ¾ cup (113 g) chopped green bell pepper
- ½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- 2¼ ounces (64 g) ripe olives, drained and sliced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a slow cooker.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, dry red wine, water, sliced ripe olives, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, black pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 9 to 10 hours or on high for 4½ to 5 hours.
YIELD: 8 servings
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For optimal flavor, let the sauce simmer in the slow cooker for a longer period.
- You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more chili powder for extra spice or sugar to balance the flavors.
- Feel free to customize the sauce by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
TIPS:
- Serve the meat sauce over hot cooked spaghetti for a classic combination.
- For an added touch, sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 309 calories
- 59% of calories from fat, 23% from protein, 18% from carbs
- 18g protein
- 20g total fat
- 7g saturated fat
- 9g monounsaturated fat
- 2g polyunsaturated fat
- 14g carbs
- 3g fiber
- 8g sugar
- 194mg phosphorus
- 64mg calcium
- 4mg iron
- 164mg sodium
- 805mg potassium
- 571 IU vitamin A
- 0mg ATE vitamin E
- 29mg vitamin C
- 61mg cholesterol
In conclusion, this Meaty Spaghetti Sauce recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The combination of lean ground beef and Italian sausage creates a flavorful base, while the addition of tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers adds depth and texture to the sauce.
By utilizing the slow cooker method, the flavors have ample time to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and robust sauce. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and infuses the sauce with a delightful aroma that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adjusting the seasoning or adding your favorite vegetables. The sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, but you can also try it with other pasta varieties or even use it as a filling for lasagna.
When serving the Meaty Spaghetti Sauce, don’t forget to sprinkle each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a delightful salty and nutty flavor that complements the richness of the sauce perfectly.
In terms of nutrition, this recipe provides a balanced combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The lean ground beef and Italian sausage contribute to the protein content, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals. It’s important to note that the nutritional information provided is per serving, and you can adjust portion sizes based on your dietary needs.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat your family to a delicious homemade meal, this Meaty Spaghetti Sauce recipe is sure to impress. The slow cooking method allows you to spend less time in the kitchen while still achieving a fantastic result. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The enticing aroma and incredible taste of this meaty sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!
