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Leftovers Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Transform your leftover ground beef and pantry staples into a hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce! This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and proves that delicious doesn't have to be expensive. I threw together fridge leftovers and pantry ingredients, and the result was a surprisingly delicious sauce that even my husband loved! Get ready for a taste of comforting Italian goodness without breaking the bank.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 987.8 kcal
Protein 104g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Leftovers Spaghetti Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Leftovers Spaghetti Sauce

  • Stewed Tomatoes
  • Prego Spaghetti Sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • White Onion
  • Granulated Sugar

How to Make Leftovers Spaghetti Sauce

  1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add any leftover vegetables (about 1 cup chopped, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers) you may have.
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve over your favorite pasta.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

106 g

Sugar

195g

Fat

83g

Carbs

28g

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation For 1 Or 2 Healthy Sauces Main Dish Condiments Etc Beef Pasta Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Low Carb Healthy 2 Ground Beef Low In Something Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Number Of Servings