Spaghetti Sauce from Grandma's Kitchen

This hearty sauce has been a family favorite for generations, bringing warmth and comfort to every meal. With simple ingredients and a slow simmer, it’s the perfect way to make any pasta night special.

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TIME50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

3 pounds ground beef, or more to taste 1 large onion, chopped, or more to taste 2 (16 ounce) cans tomato sauce, or more to taste 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste ground black pepper to taste 1 (16 ounce) can tomato puree, or more to taste ½ cup ketchup 1 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard 1 tablespoon celery salt 1 tablespoon onion salt 1 tablespoon garlic salt ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by cooking the ground beef and chopped onion together in a large pot over medium heat. Keep stirring until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, drain off any excess grease.

02

Step 2

Next, add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the pot, then season everything with a bit of pepper. Pour in the tomato puree and ketchup, giving it a good stir to combine.

03

Step 3

Now it’s time to add the brown sugar, mustard, celery salt, onion salt, and garlic salt. Add each one gradually, stirring well after each so the flavors blend nicely.

04

Step 4

Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently. Stir it often to keep it from sticking and to help all the flavors come together. This should take around 30 to 45 minutes.

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Step 5

About five minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese and give the sauce one last stir. This will add a nice, cheesy touch to finish it off.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a brighter flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to deepen the taste.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Why you’ll love it

This sauce is full of rich, comforting flavors that remind you of home. It’s made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to bring out the best taste. Every bite feels warm and satisfying, just like a meal made with love.

Serving ideas

This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, but it also works well over meatballs, lasagna, or even as a base for pizza. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top to make it extra special.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in separate containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.