"Wow. This is the best spaghetti sauce I've ever had," I said. "Can I get the recipe?" "Nope. Sorry, but it's a family secret," he replied. "There's something in there that really makes the sauce, but I can't quite put my finger on it. What is that?" I asked.
"Yes, that's the secret ingredient," he said. "But like I said, I can't tell you; it's a secret family recipe.
"C'mon...I won't tell anyone." I pleaded. But he just shook his head and smiled. "OMG- is this guy for real?" was all I could think.
The guy I was trying to get the recipe out of was a fellow student I worked with at my first summer job as a University student over 20 years ago. And that exchange happened during our first group potluck. I spent the remainder of the summer trying to get that secret sauce ingredient out of him.
Best Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Since that time I've eaten a lot of really good spaghetti sauces and an equal amount of bad. But when I eat the good stuff I always make a point to ask: "What's in it?" And fortunately, unlike that guy, the majority of people aren't guarding some ridiculous family secret and will simply just tell you.
So, I've picked up some really great tips along the way. And in my quest to create the ultimate spaghetti sauce, I've also done a lot of my own research and tried every crazy concoction out there (including chocolate and HP sauce). And I believe I've finally achieved the best spaghetti meat sauce recipe! And it's Weight Watchers Friendly only 8 WW points on the blue plan!
So, what was that secret ingredient in the spaghetti sauce all those years ago?!
Spaghetti sauce secret ingredient
And the secret ingredient is.... I honestly don't know. I'm guessing it was Worcestershire sauce but I will never know for sure. Seriously, no matter how I hounded him, I could never get the guy to tell me. I'm not sure what higher purpose he thought he was serving, but he wouldn't cave. And honestly, I stop caring many years ago. But more importantly, I believe I've discovered the secret(s) to an even better sauce!
Given that my palate has probably developed quite a bit since those Kraft dinner fueled starving student days anyway, if I were to eat his silly secret spaghetti sauce now, I doubt I'd be very impressed.
But what I have learned along the way is that there are a few things you can do to really elevate your spaghetti sauce and that Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar are key ingredients in taking it to that next level. Tomato sauce is very acidic and the brown sugar is necessary to tone down the 'tart' in the tomatoes and balance the flavors. But I think it’s the Worcestershire that is truly the secret ingredient and gives it that ‘ je ne sais quoi’! The herbs cilantro, oregano, rosemary and basil are also critical. And although fresh is best, if you don't have fresh, dried will do too.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce from Scratch
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce from scratch is an easy, delicious, filling and economical meal. I use canned tomatoes for cost and ease, but I do like to use fresh veggies and herbs if I have them on hand ( I grow the herbs in pots on the deck in the summer). But I have also used canned mushrooms when I don't have fresh, so it’s really what you have on hand.
So, if you're looking for a yummy homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch, then give this a try! Unlike that guy, I think that delicious recipes are meant to be shared with the world.
But in a weird way, I'm kind of glad that he never told me what the secret ingredient was. Because, if he had told me I never would have been motivated to figure it out myself and create this recipe. In fact, if I saw him again, I'd simply thank him for helping to make me to become a much better cook!
If you have leftover spaghetti noodles, like I always do, this Spicy Peanut Pasta Salad is an excellent healthy, leftover recipe!
And if you are looking for additional pasta recipes, be sure to check out my Pasta Recipes Board on Pinterest!
Secret Ingredient Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ -340 g -box spaghetti noodles *(½ of a 12 oz box)
- 1.5 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 Small onion
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ⅔ cup mushrooms, chopped
- ½ green pepper
- 1 -5 oz can tomato paste
- 2 -28 oz cans of canned tomatoes
- 3 cloves minced garlic * add more or less to your liking
- ¼ cup Heinz chili sauce
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh, chopped basil * can substitute 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp fresh, chopped oregano * can substitute 2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tbsp fresh, chopped cilantro * can substitute 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 2 tsp fresh, chopped rosemary * can substitute ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and onions together until ground beef is browned
- Meanwhile, mix tomatoes, tomato paste, green peppers, mushrooms, garlic, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, herbs and spices together in a large pot and cook over medium heat on stovetop.
- When ground beef/onion mixture is browned, drain thoroughly and add to tomato mixture.
- Simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- While sauce is cooking, cook spaghetti as per package directions. Drain and serve with desired amount of sauce on top.
Garnish
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and fresh oregano or basil, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe is part of The Country Cook Weekend Potluck!
Thanks for sharing YOUR secret ingredient! This sounds amazing.
You’re welcome, Joss! Let’s keep sharing!!!
What a great background story! Honestly, sometimes I just love to eat my spaghetti with really high quality canned San Marzano pomodoro but I bet Worchestershire is a really great addition!
Thanks, Bernice 🙂! I have never tried that sauce-obviously I need to!
I make spaghetti sauce often and I've never thought to add Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. I can see how that would combine well with tomatoes. I can't wait to give this a try the next time I make spaghetti! Happy New Year!
Thanks, Leanne! I hope you enjoy it!
We just had spaghetti with meat sauce last night! We love it so much, and I am always open to trying new ways of cooking it!! I want to dig right into this!! Pinning for sure!
Thanks, Katherine!
So yummy! I love the Worcestershire and brown sugar, it really adds depth and richness. Thanks for sharing your secret ingredient lol, I’m with you, let’s share good recipes 🙂
Yes, Sabrina-let’s keep sharing good food with the world!!!
I've never understood people who won't share. Like, so what if you make sauce as good as mine? Isn't that the whole point?! I guess on the flip side, you're still thinking about it after all these years. LOL Sauce looks delish! Thanks for sharing YOUR secret!
In searching the web for a special spaghetti sauce with a secret ingredient, I came across yours. Years back we were invited to dinner by friends. We had the most delicious spaghetti I’ve ever tasted. I asked our host for the recipe and he replied “sorry, it’s a family secret”. Uggh! I was so disappointed and could not understand why even after begging he would not give it to me. I have never forgotten that sauce. I cannot wait to try your recipe and see how it matches up. I hope it is better than his so that I too can say it was worth the search
Hi Martha,
I'm sorry you had the same experience I did. What is it with these people and their silly family secrets, hey?! I really hope you like the sauce!
Terri
Amazing recipe; delicious! I made marinara last night and the family raved!! Can't wait to try it in meat sauce!!! Great website. Great stories. You definitely rock, Terri!
Thanks for sharing, You upped my game a few notches!
Jeff
Thanks so much, Jeff! I'm glad you loved the spaghetti and are enjoying the website 🙂