Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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Over the years, I’ve made my tweaks and additions, but the foundation stays the same: fresh ingredients, bold seasonings, and a whole lot of heart. And now, it’s time for me to share this labor of love with you. Trust me, once you try Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce, it’ll quickly become a favorite on your recipe roster.

What Is Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce?

Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is a classic, hearty, and flavorful spaghetti sauce recipe that has become a favorite for homes and dinner tables everywhere.

How To Make Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

Core Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage, turkey, or a combination for added flavor)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 (15-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste.

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to cut the tomato acidity).

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for freshness)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup red wine (optional, but adds incredible depth).

Liquid:

• 1 cup water, or more for your desired sauce consistency

Instructions:

Sauté The Aromatics:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to keep it from burning.

1. Cook The Meat: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pot. Add the ground beef (or other meat of your choice) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving a small amount for flavor.
2. Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine everything into a cohesive base.
3. Season to Perfection: Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. If you’re adding red pepper flakes, parsley, or bay leaves, now is the perfect time to toss those in as well.

Enhance With Depth:

1. To make the sauce even richer, stir in the optional red wine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind its depth of flavor.
2. Add the sugar for sweetness if the sauce tastes too acidic.

1. Simmer to Develop Flavors: Pour in the water (or more if needed to thin out the sauce to your liking) and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld.
2. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add a little salt, more sugar, or an extra pinch of herbs to make it perfect for your palate.

Tips For The Best Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce:

• Quality Matters: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best possible flavor. San Marzano tomatoes, for example, deliver a sweet, deep flavor that works beautifully in this sauce.
• Please don’t Skip the Simmer: Good spaghetti sauce needs time for the flavors to develop, so don’t rush it. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.
• Customize It: Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is incredibly versatile. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a touch of heavy cream if you’re looking for a creamier sauce.
• Make It Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to deepen. Make a big batch, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Pair It Perfectly: This sauce isn’t just for spaghetti, use it for lasagna, baked ziti, meatball subs, or as a base for your favorite Italian dishes.

What To Serve With

Classic Pairings With Pasta:

• Spaghetti: The quintessential pairing! Serve the sauce generously over a plate of al dente spaghetti noodles. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley or basil for added flavor. Add a slice or two of garlic bread on the side.
• Fettuccine or Linguine: These flat noodles also do a great job of holding the thick, meaty sauce. Serve with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Penne, Rigatoni, or Ziti: Tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni catches chunks of meat and sauce in its ridges, making every bite flavorful. Consider mixing the pasta and sauce before serving for a baked pasta casserole option (see below).
• Pappardelle: This wide ribbon pasta pairs beautifully with rich sauces and is great for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Lasagna: Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce can be used as the meaty base for an indulgent lasagna. Layer the sauce with lasagna sheets, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Gnocchi: Serve the sauce over soft potato gnocchi for a comforting, pillowy dish.

Other Serving Ideas:

• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix cooked rice, ground beef, and Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce, then stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly.
• Meatball Subs: Use the sauce to coat homemade or store-bought meatballs. Place the saucy meatballs in a hoagie or sub roll, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and toast the sandwich for a delicious meatball sub.
• Baked Ziti: Combine cooked ziti pasta with the sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, then bake until golden and bubbly on top.
• Eggplant or Chicken Parmesan: Bread and fry slices of eggplant or chicken, then layer them with Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve with pasta or a side of garlic bread.
• Sloppy Joes: Use Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce as the base for your Sloppy Joes by mixing it with ground beef or turkey. Serve it in buns with a slice of cheddar or provolone.
• Pizza: Use the sauce as the base for a homemade pizza! Spread it over a pizza crust, then add your favorite toppings and cheese before baking.

Side Dishes:

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan balances the richness of the sauce.
• Antipasto Platter: Serve an antipasto platter of marinated vegetables, olives, salami, and mozzarella balls as an appetizer.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli as a healthy side dish.
• Polenta: Serve the sauce over creamy Polenta for an Italian-inspired comfort dish.

Health Benefits

Rich In Antioxidants:

• Tomatoes: The base ingredient of Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants like lycopene. Lycopene is linked to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and inflammation.
• Onions and Garlic: The sauce likely contains onions and garlic, both of which are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may support heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients:

• Vegetables: The sauce may contain other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and celery, which add essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to the dish, supporting overall health and digestion.
• Herbs and Spices: Ingredients like basil, oregano, and parsley, often used in the sauce, are not only flavorful but also provide additional antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

Potential Cardiovascular Benefits:

• Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Tomatoes are rich in potassium, which may help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Garlic is known for its potential to improve heart health by contributing to better cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.
• Low in Saturated Fat: When the sauce is prepared with lean ground beef or turkey and minimal added fats, it can be a heart-healthy option, especially when paired with whole grain pasta.

Weight Management:

• High Fiber Content: The combination of vegetables, especially if chunky and not strained out, along with whole grain pasta, provides dietary fiber that promotes feelings of fullness and supports weight management.
• Calorie-Controlled: By controlling portion sizes and choosing lean protein sources, Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce can be included in a balanced diet that supports weight loss or maintenance.

Supports Digestive Health:

• Dietary Fiber: The fiber content in the sauce, especially from vegetables and whole grain pasta, supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
• Probiotics: Fermenting the sauce over time can enhance its probiotic content, supporting gut health and overall well-being.

Reduced Sodium Content:

• Homemade Sauce: By preparing the sauce at home, you can control the salt content, reducing the overall sodium level compared to store-bought versions. Lower sodium intake is beneficial for heart health and may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Final Thoughts

Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is not just a flavorful addition to your pasta dishes but also a source of numerous health benefits. From the antioxidant-rich tomatoes to the heart-healthy garlic and onions, this sauce is a nutritional powerhouse that can support your overall well-being.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Homemade Biscoff Topping Sauce Recipe
• Homemade Nether Flame Sauce Recipe
• Homemade Tapatio Hot Sauce Recipe
• Wilson’s Secret Sauce BBQ Sauce Recipe