How to Create the Perfect Stouffer's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Home

Have you ever tried to replicate the taste of Stouffer's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce only to find that the closest recipes you can find are just too sweet? You're not alone! This beloved dish has a unique and rich flavor that can be difficult to recreate. However, with the right recipe and a few key tips, you can create a similar sauce that will satisfy your taste buds. Here's a simple recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste) Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil Cooked spaghetti for serving

Instructions

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the excess fat if necessary. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using sugar, stir it in as well. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or sugar to get closer to the desired flavor. Serve: Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti and enjoy!

Tips

Texture: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, add more diced tomatoes or even some bell peppers. Adjust Sweetness: If the sauce ends up too sweet, balance it with a splash of vinegar or some extra Worcestershire sauce. Store: This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for later use.

Find the Perfect Balance

This recipe is designed to mimic the taste of Stouffers Spaghetti with Meat Sauce without the overwhelming sweetness often found in other sauces. Experiment with the ingredients to find the balance that suits your taste best!

If you're looking for a quicker and simpler option, you can also try the following recipe that uses minimal ingredients and can be cooked in just 20 minutes. This version only requires one 6oz can of tomato paste, water, sugar, and a few spices. Follow the detailed steps below:

How To Make Spaghetti Sauce From Tomato Paste

Ingredients

6 oz tomato paste 1 1/2 cups water 2 tsp sugar 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Additional Tips for a Meaty Sauce

For a meaty sauce, add 1 pound of lean ground beef, turkey, or sausage. Cook the meat in a skillet first, drain the excess grease, and add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and cook as directed. You can also spruce up the sauce by adding red pepper flakes, fresh tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes, olive oil, fresh basil, or dried basil, grated Parmesan, a few minced garlic cloves, or fresh chopped onions.

Storage and Further Enhancements

Store room temperature leftovers in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge. Use within 4-5 days. Adding homemade marinara sauce can boost the flavor significantly. You can also add a dash or two of red wine for a more complex end result.

My husband and I both love the Stouffer's spaghetti sauce recipe as it's not bitter, rich, or too thick. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding sugar 1 teaspoon at a time. Experiment with the ingredients to find the perfect balance that suits your taste best!

By following these recipes, you can create a delicious spaghetti sauce that is a perfect match for your fundraiser spaghetti dinner, family dinner, or just a nostalgic night with the family. Enjoy the flavors and tailored taste of this classic American dish!