Leona's Spaghetti Sauce

Savor the rich, homestyle flavors of Leona's Spaghetti Sauce, a classic Italian-American recipe that transforms dinnertime into a comforting, hearty feast. This slow-simmered sauce combines the savory depth of browned ground beef and Italian sausage with a robust tomato base featuring crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Enhanced with fragrant garlic, sweet onions, and an irresistible blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, this sauce is as flavorful as it is satisfying. A touch of sugar balances the acidity, while optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick for those who enjoy a hint of spice. Perfectly suited for spaghetti or any pasta you love, this recipe pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for an authentic, homemade taste. Cooked low and slow for maximum flavor, Leona's Spaghetti Sauce is your go-to for comforting weeknight meals or Sunday family dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pieces bay leaves

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, breaking them into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.

Step 6

Mix in the granulated sugar, dried basil, oregano, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the bay leaves.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid to allow some steam to escape.

Step 8

Simmer the sauce for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2164.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2703.8

Total Fat 196.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 489.9mg	0%
Sodium 6005.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 119.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 75.6g
Protein 138.6g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 450.9mg	0%
Iron 26.7mg	0%
Potassium 6339.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.1%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 17.1%