Go Back
Homemade Southern Spaghetti Sauce photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Southern Spaghetti Sauce

A hearty, old-fashioned Southern-style spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, peppers, onions, and a touch of sugar for balanced flavor.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 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 6-ounce cans tomato paste
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes
  • 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

Instructions

  • Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon; drain and discard excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté over medium heat until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and water to the pot. Stir until well combined.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, then serve over pasta.

Equipment

  • Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring cup

Notes

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