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Homemade Southern Spaghetti Sauce photo

Southern Spaghetti Sauce

A hearty, old-fashioned Southern-style spaghetti sauce with ground beef and a touch of sugar for balance.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • skillet (optional for browning)
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tomato paste 6-ounce cans
  • 1 tomato sauce 8-ounce can
  • 1 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 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
  • Drain excess fat from the pot, leaving a little for sautéing the vegetables if desired.
  • Add the diced onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring so it does not burn.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and water until well combined.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, then serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice.

Notes

  • If concerned about sugar, start with 1/2 tablespoon and add more to taste.
  • This recipe freezes well.