Sweet Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce
Easy, budget-friendly sweet Italian sausage sauce. Fast to make, freezer friendly, and great for pasta or chicken parm.
It is so expensive to cook anymore and I just enjoy easy recipes that taste good and you can cook over and over again. My husband loves this sauce.
Submitted by: Judy from Pensacola , FL
Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Brown sausage, then cook onions, peppers, and garlic before adding a 32 oz can of tomato sauce and herbs.
- Season with Little Italy herb blend, parsley, sugar to taste, then simmer about 10 minutes.
- Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months or refrigerate for 3 to 4 days; adjust sausage or spices to change flavor.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
First, in a deep sauce pan, saute the sausage until crumbly and no longer pink, may use a little water to prevent sticking.
Then add the vegetables and garlic, cook all together until softened and cooked thoroughly on medium to high heat.
Once cooked, add the can of sauce and turn heat to low.
Add your herbs, sugar and salt/or pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you add in order to not over season.
Simmer about 10 minutes and bon appetit'
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
The little italy herb seasoning really makes this great!!! So simple to make. I make this about twice a week, so easy! I make with my chicken parmesan, or just plain spaghetti or other italian dishes. Love it. Add more of the herbs if you like, just make sure to taste before you add! I also like to use the new Sweet Italian Sausage with the Cheese in it, gives it a twist!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sausage or meat?
Yes. You can swap sweet Italian sausage for mild or hot Italian, turkey sausage, ground pork, or beef. Each choice changes the flavor. If using sausages with casings, remove them and brown until crumbly and no longer pink.
How long should I simmer the sauce?
The recipe calls for about 10 minutes on low to meld flavors. For deeper flavor, simmer 20 to 40 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
Can I make this sauce ahead and freeze it?
Yes. Cool the sauce completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It keeps well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring to prevent sticking.
How can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
For more heat use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes while simmering. To mellow it, use sweet sausage, add a little more sugar, or include a grated carrot for natural sweetness.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Yes. Use about 2 to 3 pounds of peeled, crushed tomatoes or passata. Cook longer to concentrate flavor and adjust sugar and salt as needed.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Simmer uncovered until it reduces. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken quickly. For a smoother thickening, use a small cornstarch slurry added slowly while stirring.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this sauce?
Yes. Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil, season well, and follow the same steps.
Can I use a different sausage or meat?
Yes. You can swap sweet Italian sausage for mild or hot Italian, turkey sausage, ground pork, or beef. Each choice changes the flavor. If using sausages with casings, remove them and brown until crumbly and no longer pink.
How long should I simmer the sauce?
The recipe calls for about 10 minutes on low to meld flavors. For deeper flavor, simmer 20 to 40 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
Can I make this sauce ahead and freeze it?
Yes. Cool the sauce completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It keeps well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring to prevent sticking.
How can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
For more heat use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes while simmering. To mellow it, use sweet sausage, add a little more sugar, or include a grated carrot for natural sweetness.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Yes. Use about 2 to 3 pounds of peeled, crushed tomatoes or passata. Cook longer to concentrate flavor and adjust sugar and salt as needed.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Simmer uncovered until it reduces. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken quickly. For a smoother thickening, use a small cornstarch slurry added slowly while stirring.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this sauce?
Yes. Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil, season well, and follow the same steps.
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