If you like your spaghetti sauce loaded with succulent and hearty meat, look no further than this incredibly delicious savory delight!

The thing I love about this sauce is its versatility. (Along with its bold flavors.) If you’re not a red meat person, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or sausage! The outcome is up to you. What do you love? What do your family and friends daydream about dining on?

Add more or less oregano to your taste. Or, more or less dried basil. More apple cider vinegar for extra brightness? Go for it! Or, throw in some extra red pepper flakes for spice.

See? It’s utterly customizable.

But, the main ingredient is love, and that my friends, is compatible with every diet.

Meaty and Herby Spaghetti Sauce with Apple Cider Vinegar Ingredients + Substitutions and Tips

To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need:

1 lb. ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Flatleaf Italian parsley, for garnish
Grated or shredded parmesan, for garnish

If you don’t have (or like) garlic…you can substitute shallots.

This spaghetti sauce freezes extremely well. Just pull it out of the freezer and defrost it in the microwave or over medium low heat in a saucepan, and you’ll always have an easy dinner at your fingertips!

Diets, allergens, and substitutions

This recipe will quickly become a family favorite, and can quickly and easily be adapted to a number of diets!

Diet	Recipe compatible as written?	Recommended substitutions
Keto	No.	Replace granulated sugar with Swerve. Use sugar free tomato sauce, such as Pomi.
Paleo	No.	Replace granulated sugar with Swerve. Use sugar free tomato sauce, such as Pomi.
Whole30	No.	Omit sugar or substitutes. Use sugar free tomato sauce, such as Pomi.
Gluten-free	Yes.
Vegetarian	No.	Omit meat. Substitute with your favorite plant-based protein.
Vegan	No.	Omit meat. Substitute with your favorite plant-based protein.
Low sodium	No.	Omit salt and vinegar.
Dairy-free	Yes.
Mediterranean	No.	Replace sugar with honey.
Low FODMAP	No.	Omit sugar. Use sugar free tomato sauce, such as Pomi.
Atkins	No.	Replace granulated sugar with Swerve. Use sugar free tomato sauce, such as Pomi.

Allergen	Present in recipe?	Recommended substitutions
Milk	No.
Eggs	No.
Fish	No.
Shellfish	No.
Tree nuts	No.
Peanuts	No.
Wheat (Gluten)	No.
Soy	No.
Sesame	No.

Meaty and Herby Spaghetti Sauce with Apple Cider Vinegar (Step-by-Step Instructions):

Place the beef in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Season with salt and pepper.
Break up with a large wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of fat.
Add olive oil to the pan.
Add onion, celery, carrot, and bell pepper.
Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
Add tomato paste and garlic to the pan.
Stir for 1 minute.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and apple cider vinegar to the pan.
Bring to a light simmer, and add bay leaves, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve over your favorite cooked pasta.
Garnish with parsley and cheese.