HOMEMADE Spaghetti Sauce!

Is there any "dump-the-jar-of-prego-into-a-saucepan-and-warm-up" peeps out there? Hopefully not for long because this sauce is easy AND delicious! Sometimes I just brown ground hamburger first and sometimes I make meatballs, it just depends. I will include the recipes for both. Please keep in mind that I am a "dumper"...I don't measure anything! Unfortunately this is killer when writing down recipes. Crap. So, if any of you have questions, please feel free to email me at kaidnkenn@hotmail.com!

Here's pictures, just so you know what I'm talking about ;)

WITH GROUND BEEF...
1 package Mild Italian sausage
1 lbs. ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 package fresh whole button mushrooms
2 fat cans tomato sauce
2 envelopes McCormick Italian-style spaghetti sauce mix...flavored with mushrooms
about 2 cups warm water (give or take...however thick or runny you want it)
fresh Parmesan cheese
Directions...
Mix two envelopes of the seasoning mix and 2 cups warm water, set aside
In crockpot, add tomato sauce, butter and olives...pour in seasoning/water mixture and stir. Use your judgment if you need to add more water or not...taste test too. We like ours in between thick and runny. Meanwhile, brown ground hamburger, diced onion and diced green pepper in pan until hamburger is fully cooked. Transfer to crockpot. Also, brown sausage links in a couple of tablespoons oil (I always use olive) until very brown on all sides, don't worry they won't be fully cooked. Just remember...browned=lots of flavor! Keep whole and add to crockpot. Lastly, add mushrooms on top. Cook on low all day (about 6-7 hours)...about 3 hours on high. Use high fiber, whole grain spaghetti noodles and you've made it healthy ;)




WITH MEATBALLS...
1.5 lbs. ground beef
Italian-style breadcrumbs, about a cup (just use your judgment...you don't want it too dry)
1 egg
parmesan cheese (I use fresh grated or shredded, whatever I have on hand) about a cup...come on, can you really have too much CHEESE???
salt
pepper
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 fat cans tomato sauce
1 little can sliced olives (optional)
2-3 Tbsp. butter 1 package fresh button mushrooms
2 envelopes McCormick Italian-style spaghetti sauce mix...flavored with mushrooms
about 2 cups warm water (give or take...however thick or runny you want it)
Directions...
Mix two envelopes of the seasoning mix and 2 cups warm water, set aside
In crockpot, add tomato sauce, diced onion, diced green pepper, butter and olives...pour in seasoning/water mixture and stir. Use your judgment if you need to add more water or not...taste test too. We like ours in between thick and runny. Meanwhile, mix ground hamburger, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in bowl until combined...don't overmix, your meatballs will be tough. Form into meatballs a little smaller than the palm of your hand. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until browned. Transfer to crockpot with sauce. Also, brown sausage links in a couple of tablespoons oil (I always use olive) until very brown on all sides, don't worry they won't be fully cooked. Just remember...browned=lots of flavor! Keep whole and add to crockpot. Lastly, add mushrooms on top. Cook on low all day (about 6-7 hours)...about 3 hours on high. Use high fiber, whole grain spaghetti noodles and you've made it healthy ;)
***This is a hit for dinner parties because you can make it in advance so you don't have to slave in the kitchen while everyone else is chatting, its economical and feeds lots of people and its impressive! I serve it with garlic french bread and salad (for the salad I make homemade Ranch dressing and homemade Italian dressing just using the envelopes you can get at the store. I chop up a head of iceberg lettuce pretty small and mix 1/2 bag of coleslaw mix (not the dressing, just the cabbage) for the crunch. I also add diced celery, diced white cheddar cheese, sliced radishes, sliced pepperonis and sliced sweet onions...this salad is soooooo good! Just FYI, I usually have all those salad toppings on the side and everyone can add them to their liking)
WHEW! Can you see why it has taken me awhile to brave this post? It is super long...sorry! It really is a yummy dinner though, so try it...you know you wanna!!! Pin It