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Homemade Southern Spaghetti Sauce photo

Southern Spaghetti Sauce

A simple, classic Southern-style spaghetti sauce made with browned beef, vegetables, and a blend of tomato products and seasonings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 cans tomato paste 6-ounce cans
  • 1 can tomato sauce 8-ounce can
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes 14 1/2-ounce can
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar original recipe calls for 2 tablespoons; this uses 1
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat from the pot, then return the pot to the heat.
  3. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the beef and sauté until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and water until well combined.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, then serve over cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta.

Notes

  • If you're nervous about the sugar amount, start with 1/2 tablespoon and add more to taste.
  • This recipe freezes well.