Mom’s Famous Spaghetti Sauce (Skillet, Crockpot, or Vegetarian!)

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Okay, maybe not famous, but this is the best spaghetti sauce I have ever had.  My friend Brandy has been wowing me for years with this amazing Spaghetti Sauce, and she finally shared her secret recipe with me!  And she said I could share it with you!   Her mom has been making this sauce since she was young, and she passed this recipe onto Brandy.  This is the perfect dish for the entire family or potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 1-2 lbs Beef, Turkey, or Sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 5-6 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can or fresh Diced Tomatoes
  • 2 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce (find tomato sauce coupons)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon dried sage
  • Sugar, sprinkle (find sugar coupons)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions

Skillet

In a large Skillet, heat the meat, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is cooked through.  Drain any excess grease, if necessary.  Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water (use tomato sauce cans) and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients.  Simmer, covered, for about 1 to1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.  May have to add more water, herbs, and garlic to liking.  Uncover 15-20 minute before it is done to thicken sauce.  Serve over spaghetti.

Crock Pot

Brown meat and onions in skillet.  Transfer to the Crockpot, add remaining ingredients, mix well, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Vegetarian

Follow the directions above except eliminate the meat and add 1 cup of diced zucchini and 1 cup of diced squash.   Sauté vegetables in olive oil for 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients. Simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Freezer

Prepare as directed above, portion into ziploc freezer bags, and lay flat and freeze.  Defrost in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and reheat in a skillet.

Bon Appétit!!

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How Cathy Does Spaghetti Dinner

With all the chances for free pasta in the past several months, you’re probably well stocked.  I’m a boring cook and we have spaghetti every week.  In fact, I’m so boring, I made it for one of our meals when we got together with my entire family (41 of us!) a few weeks ago at the old family cabin.

My sister in law (she teaches me a lot!) told me that they love to do half ground beef and half sausage in her spaghetti sauce.  It sounded good, so I prepared it that way and it was delicious!

I also love to put fresh parmasean cheese or mozzerella cheese (or even an italian cheese blend) on top of the sauce.

And for the bread, my sister Jennifer taught me this yummy alternative to garlic bread:

  • Buy an Albertsons French Bread loaf (my favorite and a close 2nd place is the french bread from Maverick)
  • Slice and place on a large cookie sheet
  • spread cream cheese on bread
  • cover with a slice of medium cheddar cheese
  • sprinkle garlic salt (or if you’re really in the mood, melt some butter and mix with garlic salt and put it on before the cream cheese)
  • warm in the oven and then broil the last few minutes until toasted just the way you like it!

How do YOU like to jazz up your spaghetti dinner?