Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

This isn't your average spaghetti sauce! This recipe, a family heirloom with a twist, delivers a rich, sweet, and beefy flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. We've amped up the sweetness with onions and a hint of red pepper (optional), using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready for a comforting, delicious sauce that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 110 mins

Calories 183.5 kcal

Protein 34g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Extra Lean Beef
Onion
Green Pepper
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
1 cup vegetable stock
Sliced Mushrooms
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh Ground Pepper

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How to Make Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 1 green bell pepper, chopped. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Avoid over-stirring to maintain beef chunks. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Once the beef is browned, stir in 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, 6 ounces tomato paste, 1 cup vegetable stock, 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced), 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add 2 bay leaves.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves before serving. For an even sweeter sauce, add 1/2 of a small red bell pepper, finely chopped, along with the onions and green pepper in step 2.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

14 g

Sugar

48g

Fat

Carbs

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Sauces Condiments Etc Beef Vegetables Inexpensive Ground Beef Meat Tomatoes 4 Hours Or Less

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce?

Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce takes about 130 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 110 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce?

Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce has approximately 183.5 calories per serving, with about 34 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates and 8 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce?

The key ingredients for Sweet Beefy Spaghetti Sauce are Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Extra Lean Beef, Onion, Green Pepper, Tomatoes. See the full list with measurements above.