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Grandma's Special Spaghetti Sauce

This rich and flavorful sauce has been a family favorite for generations, bringing warmth and comfort to every meal. With simple ingredients and a touch of love, it’s perfect for sharing with those you care about most.

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Grandma's Special Spaghetti Sauce
FROM THE KITCHEN • Grandma's Special Spaghetti Sauce

Let's make it.

Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.

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01

Step 1

Start by cooking the ground beef and chopped onion together in a large pot over medium heat. Keep stirring until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease.

02

Step 2

Next, add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the pot. Season with a little pepper, then stir in the tomato puree and ketchup.

03

Step 3

Now it’s time to add the brown sugar, mustard, celery salt, onion salt, and garlic salt. Add each one gradually, giving the sauce a good stir after each addition so everything blends well.

04

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently. Keep stirring it often to prevent sticking and help the flavors come together. This should take around 30 to 45 minutes.

05

Step 5

Just before you finish cooking, sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese and stir it through. Let it cook for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts nicely into the sauce.

06

Step 6

Give it one last taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then it’s ready to serve!

Why you’ll love it

This sauce is full of rich, comforting flavors that remind you of home. It uses simple ingredients but comes together in a way that feels both hearty and fresh. The slow simmering allows each spice and vegetable to blend perfectly, making every bite satisfying.

How to serve

This sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, but you can also use it over meatballs, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or Parmesan cheese on top enhances the taste even more.

Storage & leftovers

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

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