For years, Jo Mama’s homey and inviting kitchen has been where the magical amalgamation of tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and the finest selection of spices occurs. This results in a spaghetti sauce recipe that has become a zesty rendition of pure love. It has captivated the hearts and tickled the taste buds of our community and beyond. Savored by both kids and adults alike, it has earned the title of a comfort food classic.
So whether you are a seasoned cook looking for a new challenge, a beginner aiming to win the culinary game, or even someone simply enamored by the delicacies of Italian cuisine, Jo Mama’s spaghetti sauce recipe holds a little something for everyone.
How to make Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce
Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is a renowned and beloved recipe for homemade Italian spaghetti sauce. It is a specialty sauce simmered to perfection with a beautiful balance of herbs and spices and sautéed vegetables mixed with ground meat. The full-bodied flavour of the sauce stems from the combination of tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a specific blend of spices such as basil and parsley.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounce each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounce each) tomato sauce
- 2 cups water (may require more)
- 3 teaspoons basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sliced and sauteed mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step One: Cook the ground beef over medium heat in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven until browned. Remove excess fat.
Step Two: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green pepper to the pan. Sauté until they become soft and aromatic.
Step Three: Stir in the canned tomatoes (do not drain), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
Step Four: Add the basil, parsley, brown sugar, and salt to the mixture. If you wish, you can also add in the sautéed mushrooms at this point for extra flavor.
Step Five: Cover and let the concoction simmer for about two hours. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.
Step Six:Â Serve over hot spaghetti and sprinkle generously with fresh mozzarella cheese.
Top Tips for Acing Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce:
- For a unique flavor twist, combine ground meat – perhaps beef, pork, and veal.
- Fresh herbs could replace dried ones for a more vibrant and aromatic sauce.
- Be patient and let the sauce simmer for at least two hours. This is crucial for the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- For a chunkier sauce, consider using a potato masher to crush the tomatoes to your desired consistency.
- Always taste and adjust your seasonings.Â
What to serve with
While Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish on its own, complementing it with creative and tasty side dishes can elevate the dining experience.Â
1. Bread Options:
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic side dish for any pasta meal. It’s easy to make and the perfect match for Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce, as it beautifully absorbs the tangy tomato sauce.
Focaccia Bread: An Italian flatbread topped with coarse sea salt, herbs, and olive oil, focaccia bread adds a delightful touch to your pasta dinner. Tear off a piece and use it to mop up the leftovers of Jo Mama’s sauce.
Bruschetta: These toasted slices of bread come topped with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, basil, and garlic. This simple yet delicious appetizer pairs well with Jo Mama’s Spaghetti, providing a burst of freshness and textural contrast.
2. Vegetable Sides:
Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A Caprese salad balances the rich, savory flavors of Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, grated Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing is a delectable palate cleanser when served alongside Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Roast them in the oven until tender and serve alongside the spaghetti sauce to add a savory, wholesome touch to the meal.
3. Protein Options:
Grilled Chicken: Serve marinated grilled chicken breast alongside Jo Mama’s Spaghetti for a protein-rich addition to the meal. You can also slice the chicken and mix it into the pasta for a heartier dish.
Meatballs: While Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce contains ground meat, you could also serve homemade Italian-style meatballs as an additional protein option. Add the meatballs to the sauce or serve them on the side.
Shrimp Scampi: Create a decadent shrimp scampi with garlic, butter, and white wine for a seafood twist. The succulent shrimp and zesty seasoning make it a fantastic option to serve alongside Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce.
4. Drinks:
Red Wine: Italian wines such as Chianti or Montepulciano will complement Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce with their fruity notes and mild tannins.
White Wine: For those who prefer white wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio can contrast the rich flavors of the sauce, offering a refreshing sip between bites.
Final Thoughts
Jo Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce is a dish with deep flavors, love, and warmth. Its robust tomato base, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, tender ground meat, and a delicate simmering process, accounts for its fame in kitchens across the globe. The taste and smell of this sauce instantly transport us onto the sentimental streets of Italy, thereby making the ordinary act of dinner a delightful culinary journey.
More Sauce Recipes:
- Panera Signature Sauce Recipe
- Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
- Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce Recipe
- Cookout Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
- Best Cookout Sauce Recipe
- Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounce each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounce each) tomato sauce
- 2 cups water (may require more)
- 3 teaspoons basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sliced and sauteed mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step One: Cook the ground beef over medium heat in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven until browned. Remove excess fat.
Step Two: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green pepper to the pan. Sauté until they become soft and aromatic.
Step Three: Stir in the canned tomatoes (do not drain), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
Step Four: Add the basil, parsley, brown sugar, and salt to the mixture. If you wish, you can also add in the sautéed mushrooms at this point for extra flavor.
Step Five: Cover and let the concoction simmer for about two hours. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.
Step Six:Â Serve over hot spaghetti and sprinkle generously with fresh mozzarella cheese
