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Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

104 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 8 hours

Makes

12 servings (3 quarts)

Updated: Jul. 19, 2024
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 3/4 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 4 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Hot cooked spaghetti

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, sausage, onions and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
  2. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oil and seasonings.
  3. Cook, covered, on low 8-10 hours. Discard bay leaves. Serve with spaghetti.

Can you freeze Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce?

Cool before placing in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Place in a large saucepan; heat through, stirring occasionally. Serve with spaghetti.

Spaghetti Sauce Tips

What is the difference between spaghetti sauce and marinara sauce?

Traditionally, marinara sauce is quick, simple and made with just a handful of ingredients. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, is more complex. It can feature meat, vegetables and a wide variety of seasonings.

What is the best spaghetti sauce?

If you don’t have time to make homemade spaghetti sauce, a store-bought version will work in a pinch.

What pasta shapes go best with this sauce?

While spaghetti is the obvious choice, most long pasta noodles will work well. Feel free to open up a box of linguine, fettuccine, pappardelle or any other noodle that will hold up to this hearty spaghetti sauce recipe.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 335 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.