“It is with great pride and a touch of emotion that I share with you my mother's spaghetti sauce recipe, the one I have enjoyed since I was a child. Every family has its own recipe for spaghetti sauce, a comforting dish that warms the heart in any season. It is also my son's favorite sauce, and I hope it will pass down through the generations. For me, every bite of this dish is a source of comfort and love. I asked my mother to take the time to write it down, as she had been preparing it "by eye" for decades. Family recipes are a precious heirloom, a legacy that we must preserve with care.” -- Marilyn

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The origins of spaghetti sauce

Spaghetti sauce, derived from the famous Italian ragù , is a recipe that crossed borders thanks to Italian immigrants. In North America, it has evolved to become a true culinary icon. In Quebec, spaghetti sauce is a deeply rooted tradition in homes, where each family has its own recipe, carefully passed down from generation to generation. This blend of tomatoes, meat, and aromatic herbs is not only a dish, but also a symbol of comfort and conviviality .

A family classic with countless variations

Every Quebec family has its own recipe for spaghetti sauce, making this dish as diverse as its variations. Some versions are slightly sweetened with ketchup or brown sugar, while others, like this one, favor a saltier, more authentic taste . From the choice of meat (beef, pork, veal) to the spices, the possibilities are endless. Nevertheless, the basic ingredients—meat, tomatoes, and herbs—remain the same, creating a universally recognized and loved recipe.

The comforting and universal side of spaghetti

Spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish. It's synonymous with a comforting meal that brings people together, whether for family dinners or special occasions. Its meaty sauce, slowly simmered with vegetables and herbs, evokes warmth and authenticity. This dish is universal and timeless, a favorite that nourishes both body and soul .

A Quebec sauce with a salty touch

Unlike some sweeter Quebec recipes, this sauce stands out for its savory balance . Simmered for a long time to concentrate the aromas of vegetables and tomatoes, it highlights rich and savory flavors. It's an authentic version of spaghetti sauce, where each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a nourishing and flavorful dish.

Summary
🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	15 minutes
🍳 Cooking time	2-3 hours
⏲️ Total time	2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
🔧 Difficulty level	Easy
🍽️ Servings	16 servings
🔥 Calories (approximate)	350 per serving

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

Meat 1.5 kg of meat of your choice: pork, beef, veal or according to the weekly specials. Sauce and oil 1 small can of tomato paste (156 ml) or the equivalent in tube paste. 3 cans of 680 ml of tomato sauce of your choice. ¼ cup olive oil (or just enough to cover the bottom of the pot). Vegetables 4 garlic cloves or about 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic. 1 cup carrots cut into small cubes (or 1 large carrot). 1 cup turnip cut into small cubes. 1 cup celery cut into small cubes (or 1 1/2 stalks). 1 cup finely chopped onion (or 1 large onion). Seasonings 1 tablespoon of salt. 1 teaspoon of pepper. 1 teaspoon of thyme. 1 teaspoon of Provençal herbs. 5 to 6 small bay leaves.

Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the vegetables (garlic, carrots, turnip, celery, onion) and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes. Add the chosen meat and cook until it turns white. Add the seasonings. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the tomato sauces and bring to a boil . Reduce heat , partially cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours.

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4 x 1000ml dishes or 16 servings.

Nutritional Information per Serving
Nutrient	Quantity
Calories	350 kcal
Proteins	15 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Sugars	5 g
Fibers	6 g
Lipids	18 g
Saturated fatty acids	6 g
Sodium	850 mg
Health note	7/10 Highlights: High in fiber, good source of healthy fats.

Questions & Answers: Everything you need to know about traditional spaghetti sauce

1. Can other types of meat be used in this spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely! The traditional Quebec recipe often features a mix of beef, pork, and veal, but you can adjust it according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Ground chicken or even Italian sausage can add a different touch to the sauce, depending on your tastes and the occasion.

2. How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
Spaghetti sauce can be easily stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes very well and can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

3. What types of pasta go best with this sauce?
While spaghetti sauce is obviously perfect with spaghetti, you can serve it with other types of long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. For a heartier meal, short pasta like penne or rigatoni also soaks up the sauce very well.

4. Can this sauce be customized with other spices or herbs?
Yes! In addition to herbes de Provence and bay leaves, you can add spices like cayenne pepper for a little heat, or fresh basil for a more Mediterranean flavor. Each family adjusts the spices according to their preferences.

5. Can spaghetti sauce be made without meat?
Of course! It's perfectly possible to make a vegetarian sauce by omitting the meat and increasing the amount of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils to add texture and flavor.

🍝 Did you know? 🍝
50% of Quebec families have a family recipe for spaghetti sauce
90% of children prefer spaghetti sauce to ketchup in their pasta!
70% of homemade spaghetti sauces are frozen for later consumption
30% of spaghetti sauces are made with a combination of meats (beef, pork, veal)