Best 8 School Spaghetti Sauce Recipes

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Spaghetti with tomato sauce, a timeless classic that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across the globe, is a dish that embodies simplicity, comfort, and delectable flavors. This versatile pasta dish, often referred to as "school spaghetti sauce" due to its popularity in school cafeterias, has become a staple in many households, offering a comforting and nostalgic experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of spaghetti sauce recipes that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the classic tomato sauce, bursting with fresh tomatoes and aromatic herbs, to the rich and savory meat sauce, packed with ground beef or sausage, these recipes offer a range of options to satisfy every palate.

For those seeking a lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative, the vegetarian spaghetti sauce, brimming with colorful vegetables and a medley of herbs, provides a wholesome and nutritious option. Additionally, the creamy pesto sauce, featuring the vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, offers a delightful twist on the traditional tomato-based sauce.

Whether you prefer a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, these spaghetti sauce recipes are sure to become your go-to favorites. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to a world of deliciousness, one bite at a time.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPAGHETTI AND MEAT SAUCE USDA



Spaghetti and Meat Sauce USDA image

Looking for a classic Italian dish? This recipe for spaghetti and meat sauce is the perfect one! Ground beef is seasoned with parsley, basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme and mixed in with a tomato sauce and cooked spaghetti.

Provided by Victoria Luma

Number Of Ingredients 15

8.5 pounds Raw ground beef ((8 pounds, 8 ounces))
8 ounces Fresh onions, chopped ((or 1½ ounces dehydrated onions))
1.5 tablespoons Granulated garlic ((1 tablespoon, 1½ teaspoons))
1½ teaspoons Ground black or white pepper
5 pounds Canned tomato puree
2 quarts Water
1 tablespoon Salt
¼ cup Dried parsley
2 tablespoons Dried basil
2 tablespoons Dried oregano
1 tablespoon Dried marjoram
1½ teaspoons Dried thyme
6 gallons Water
2 tablespoons Salt, kosher
4.75 pounds Enriched spaghetti, broken into thirds ((4 pounds, 12 ounces))

Steps:

  • Brown ground beef. Drain. Continue immediately. Add onions. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add granulated garlic, pepper, tomato puree, water, salt, parsley, basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme. Simmer about 1 hour.
  • Heat water to rolling boil. Add salt.
  • Slowly add spaghetti. Stir constantly, until water boils again. Cook 10-12 minutes or until tender; stir occasionally. DO NOT OVER COOK. Drain well. Run cold water over spaghetti to cool slightly.
  • Stir into meat sauce.
  • Divide mixture equally into medium half-steam table pans (10" x 12" x 4") which have been lightly coated with pan release spray. For 50 servings, use 3 pans.
  • Portion with 8 oz ladle (1 cup) per serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 322 kcal, Carbohydrate 34.24 g, Protein 21.23 g, Fat 10.71 g, SaturatedFat 4.38 g, Cholesterol 51 mg, Sodium 310 mg, Fiber 2.9 g

SCHOOL SPAGHETTI SAUCE



School Spaghetti Sauce image

This is the 1971 USDA School Spaghetti recipe, for all of you who have been looking for that perfect sauce to recreate all those school lunches from days gone by. Serve with pasta.

Provided by John Alford

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Spaghetti Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 40

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 pounds ground beef
3 pounds onions, diced
4 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ quarts water
1 (28 ounce) can canned chopped tomatoes, drained
1 (14 ounce) can canned chopped tomatoes, drained
7 ounces tomato paste
11 teaspoons dried basil
11 teaspoons dried oregano
8 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat a very large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
  • Stir onions and garlic powder into the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Add water, both cans of tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, and pepper. Let simmer for about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190.7 calories, Carbohydrate 6.1 g, Cholesterol 56.8 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 136.1 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Spaghetti Sauce image

This is a quick recipe for tomato sauce. I have just given the outline for the sauce, but you can add any kind of vegetables to it. I especially like it with mushrooms and peppers.

Provided by COURTNEYNOONAN

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons olive oil
½ small onion, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons crushed garlic
1 (28 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
4 teaspoons dried basil
4 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon white sugar

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion, green onion and garlic. When onions are clear, stir in tomatoes, basil, oregano and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 81.5 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Fat 2.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 310.2 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

GRANDMA'S OLD ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS



Grandma's Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs image

Grandma's sauce is an old recipe that she brought over from Italy. It is a long process with strange ingredients, but they all come together to make the best sauce I have ever had. The long process is worth your trouble the minute you take your first bite.

Provided by cherbear

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 8h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 pig's feet
1 pound pork neck bones
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 ½ cups water
2 (28 ounce) cans tomato puree
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 (16 ounce) loaf fresh Italian bread, torn into 2-inch pieces
1 cup water
6 eggs, beaten
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in the bottom of a large saucepan, and fry the garlic cloves 5 to 8 minutes, until brown and fragrant. Remove the garlic cloves and set aside. Place the pig's feet and pork neck bones in the saucepan and fry, turning occasionally, until the meat and bones have browned, about 15 minutes.
  • Return the garlic cloves to the saucepan, and stir in the tomato paste and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, and pour in the tomato puree. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 3 hours, stirring from the bottom often to prevent burning, until the pig's feet are tender and the mixture begins to thicken. Stir in the sugar, pepper, and baking soda. Continue to simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
  • Soak the torn bread with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Squeeze excess water out of the bread, and place the bread in a large bowl with the 6 beaten eggs, ground pork, ground veal, and ground beef. Mix thoroughly and form into 24 meatballs about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil, let them cook for about 1 minute, and then add the meatballs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and fry them on all sides until brown, about 15 minutes, working in batches, if necessary.
  • Place the browned meatballs, along with the oil, garlic, and basil from the skillet into the sauce, stirring lightly to avoid breaking them. Add the whole hard-boiled eggs, and simmer for about 1 1/2 more hours, until the meatballs are cooked, the sauce is thick, and all the flavors have blended.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 599.1 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 319.1 mg, Fat 29.4 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 46.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 1437.4 mg, Sugar 11.6 g

SCHOOL CAFETERIA SPAGHETTI



School Cafeteria Spaghetti image

There were only two things that created a buzz around school when I was growing up: upcoming teacher workdays and spaghetti day in the cafeteria. School spaghetti was one of my favorite dishes then, and it still is now! Try this simple, yet more grownup, version.

Provided by Michelle Marcos

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Spaghetti Recipes     Baked

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

cooking spray
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, chopped
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix (such as Good Seasons®)
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
4 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Heat oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Saute onion and bell pepper in the hot oil until soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Mix Italian dressing mix into ground beef and add to the hot pan; saute until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and add beef mixture; mix well. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and top with Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 758.5 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 127.5 mg, Fat 39.9 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 40.7 g, SaturatedFat 19.9 g, Sodium 994.6 mg, Sugar 11.1 g

SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Spaghetti Sauce image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

5 pounds ground beef (I used ground round)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
One 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 jar good store-bought marinara sauce (you can use another jar if you like the sauce to be more saucy than meaty)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
4 bay leaves
1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley or 3 tablespoons parsley flakes, plus more for serving
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 whole rind from 1 wedge Parmesan, optional
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, optional, plus more for serving
2 pounds spaghetti, cooked al dente and tossed with olive oil, for serving
Garlic-cheese bread, for serving

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned. Remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl. Set aside.
  • Discard any grease in the pot, but do not clean the pot. Drizzle in the olive oil. When it is heated, throw in the diced onions. Stir it around for 1 1/2 minutes, and then add the garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and marinara sauce. Stir to combine, and then add the sugar, salt, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper (if using) and bay leaves. Stir, then add the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or some low-sodium broth if it needs more liquid.
  • After an hour, add the minced parsley, basil and the Parmesan rind if using (or grated Parmesan if you prefer--or both!). Stir to combine, and then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes or so. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
  • Serve a big bowl of oiled noodles and the spaghetti sauce so guests can serve themselves. Top each serving with minced parsley and grated Parmesan (or Parmesan shavings) and serve with a big piece of garlic-cheese bread.
  • Amen.

OLD WORLD ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce image

This is a great old world Family recipe. Its also great with italian sausage,or meatballs. Just stir often while cooking when using meats.

Provided by FarahC

Categories     Sauces

Time 3h25m

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups water

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot on low-med heat add your olive oil and saute your onions for about 4 minutes,then add your crushed garlic,cook for 2 minutes longer. Then add your water,and tomato products. Be sure to mix everything very well.Add in your spices,and cheese. cook for 2 1/2 hours covered.Then add in your wine, and cook 30 minutes longer. Sauce will be thin on first day.Also if you use meat it will alter thickness.The second day this turns into a nice thick sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.6, Fat 5.2, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 1.8, Sodium 647.1, Carbohydrate 25.2, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 9.7, Protein 5.5

MOM'S BEST SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Mom's Best Spaghetti Sauce image

A simple, slow cooked, authentic spaghetti sauce, as good as the restaurants serve...or better! The secret ingredient is baking soda, but do not taste the sauce right after adding it. Wait a while, and this sauce will not disappoint you. It is good right from the stove, but the flavors blend overnight. Best served with your favorite meatball recipe, where the meatballs cook in the sauce the last half hour. Be prepared to take a nap after eating.

Provided by KRAZYBARB

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
4 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
3 cups water
4 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 teaspoons white sugar
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 pinches baking soda
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Mix together whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, mushrooms, onions, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper, basil, and 1 pinch of baking soda in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 4 hours minimum.
  • Stir in another pinch of baking soda; the sauce will foam. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and almost brown. Make sure to scrape the sides of the pan in to the sauce.
  • After the sauce is fork consistency, stir in Parmesan cheese. Watch that the cheese does not burn. Taste sauce. If it is too tangy or acidic, add another pinch of baking soda and simmer another 1/2 hour.
  • Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, reheat and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.5 calories, Carbohydrate 36.3 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 1.7 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 1624.4 mg, Sugar 23.2 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes have a more intense flavor than canned tomatoes, and they will also release more liquid, which will help to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Sauté your vegetables before adding them to the sauce: Sautéing the vegetables will help to release their flavors and caramelize them slightly, which will add depth and complexity to the sauce.
  • Use a variety of herbs and spices: Different herbs and spices can be used to create a variety of different flavor profiles in your spaghetti sauce. Some popular herbs and spices to use include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes.
  • Simmer your sauce for at least 30 minutes: Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes will help to develop the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  • Taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed: Once the sauce has simmered for at least 30 minutes, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs and spices.

Conclusion:

Spaghetti sauce is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients and flavors. Whether you prefer a simple tomato sauce or a more complex sauce with meat and vegetables, there is a spaghetti sauce recipe out there for everyone. With a little bit of time and effort, you can make a delicious spaghetti sauce that your family and friends will love.

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