This sauce is my secret weapon when I feel the need to bring out the culinary big guns. It’s a semi homemade or almost homemade sauce. Yes, it uses store-bought jarred spaghetti sauce, but in defence of those jars, cthey are lifesavers for busy moms. And with this recipe no one will think it came from a jar, I promise.
I like a thick spaghetti sauce, rich in vegetables and flavour. This sauce packs loads of vegetables; onions, peppers, celery, tomatoes, and mushrooms, which I cut super small to hide from my husband who has a major hate for the tasty morsels! What he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. On top of the vegetables is a power house of spices that take this almost homemade sauce to the next level!
A Secret Ingredient
Now, there’s one unusual spice in the mix but that spice pushes this sauce over the top. Cinnamon, it’s cinnamon! I know it sounds odd, seriously though, give it a whirl, expand that palette!
According to my father, who to cooks to impress (and this sauce is impressive), it’s a true Italian secret. It was passed on to my dad by a family friend, who still has an Italian accent after decades of living in Canada. Whether this is true, I’m not sure, but it’s the story I’ve always been told, and am passing it along to you. In all my Pinterest use, I’ve never come across a spaghetti sauce that contains cinnamon, but I guarantee you’ll enjoy its addition here!
Generally, I’ll make this on a weekend so I can let it simmer all afternoon, but I have started it after getting home from work and served it after an hour or so. I do love the idea of days of the week for specific meals; meatless Monday’s, taco Tuesday’s, spaghetti Sundays. I would happily devote Sundays to this spaghetti sauce.
One little thing before I get to the recipe. A warning if you will. Be prepared for your home to smell like pure comfort. I mean it, this sauce will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. This sauce is close your eyes and inhale worthy. It’s so good.
Ok, time for the recipe so you can try it for yourself.
If you love this Best Almost Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, check out these other delicious side dish recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:
- Sweet and Savoury Fully Loaded Breakfast Sandwich
- Homemade Garlic Herb Bread
- Rutabaga and Apple Mash with Crumb Topping
If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!
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The Best Almost Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Start with a jar of store-bought sauce, add ground beef, select veggies and a surprising spice and this spaghetti sauce becomes impressive. No one will know it started from a jar.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb ground beef browned
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 4 oz mushrooms finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 24 oz jarred spaghetti sauce I use Prego, but your favourite should work
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp basil
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt and more to taste
- 1 tbsp sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
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In a dutch over or large sauce pan over medium heat brown ground beef.
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Stir in vegetables and cook until softened, about 10-12 minutes.
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Add tomatoes, jarred spaghetti sauce, water, butter and spices, stir until mixed and cover
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Reduce heat to low and let simmer for an hour or more, stirring regularly.
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Serve over spaghetti or your favourite pasta.