Jo Mama’s World Famous Spaghetti: Rich, Hearty, and Slow-Simmered to Perfection

When it comes to classic comfort food, Jo Mama’s World Famous Spaghetti stands in a league of its own. This isn’t a quick weeknight sauce—it’s a deep, rich, slow-simmered masterpiece packed with Italian sausage, garlic, herbs, and a splash of good red wine. The long simmer allows every ingredient to meld together, creating a sauce that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you want a truly satisfying pasta night, this spaghetti sauce is bold, hearty, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love Jo Mama’s Spaghetti

• Thick, meaty sauce loaded with Italian sausage

• Long simmer time for deep, developed flavor

• Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy

• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers

This is the kind of recipe people ask for after the first bite.

Ingredients

Sauce

• 2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)

• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste

• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 2 cups water (use less if simmering for a shorter time)

• 3 teaspoons basil

• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

• 1½ teaspoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• ¼ teaspoon fresh coarse-ground black pepper

• ¼ cup red wine (Cabernet recommended)

Pasta & Topping

• 1 lb thin spaghetti

• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

1. Brown the sausage
   In a large, heavy stockpot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Add aromatics
   Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

3. Build the sauce
   Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine.

4. Season
   Add basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly.

5. Simmer gently
   Bring the sauce just barely to a boil, then stir in the red wine. Reduce heat to low.

6. Slow cook
   Simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring frequently. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor—just be careful not to let it burn.

7. Cook the pasta
   Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.

8. Serve
   Spoon sauce generously over spaghetti and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Sauce

• Use a heavy-bottom pot to prevent burning during long simmers.

• Stir frequently, especially as the sauce thickens.

• Mild sausage keeps it family-friendly; hot sausage adds extra kick.

• This sauce tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, and extra Parmesan on the table. Leftovers are perfect for baked pasta dishes, lasagna, or freezer meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I simmer the sauce longer than one hour?

Yes. Simmering for 2–3 hours deepens the flavor even more—just stir frequently.

Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce?

Absolutely. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute ground beef for sausage?

You can, but Italian sausage provides the signature flavor. If using beef, consider adding extra seasoning.

Do I have to use wine?

No. You can omit it, but the wine adds richness and depth to the sauce.