Tomato sauce with peppers and onions

This recipe yields about six portions.

Prep time: 10-20 minutes Cook time: 30-60 minutes

Description

Perfect for preparing and freezing, this sauce can work with a wide array of substitute options. Meatballs instead of ground meat (as shown in the photo), chickpeas in addition to or as a meat-free option, adjusting the quantity of peppers and onions, cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, creamy sauce or not, lots of options for this time and next.

Tips and substitutions to know in advance

• Any color bell pepper works well in this recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey, frozen turkey meatballs, or other meat of your choice
• Optional: 1 can/3 cups chickpeas
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion Frozen already cut peppers and onions can be a great option, substitute ⅔ bag
• 1 28-oz can tomato sauce or puree
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp sage - if using ground turkey or chicken
• 1 Tbsp basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ -½ tsp crushed red pepper flake
• Optional - ¼ c sour cream or heavy cream
• 1lb pasta, cooked - can be cooked in advance and reheated in microwave or in sauce
• Toppings: parmesan cheese

Process

1. Sauté onions and peppers over medium heat in a pan or pot large enough to cook sauce. For oven preparation, roast at 375 degrees for about 10-15 minutes
2. Add meat (unless using pre cooked meatballs) and seasonings, stirring to encourage even cooking and breaking up meat
3. Cook pasta in salted, boiling water if not already cooked
4. Cook peppers, onions, seasonings, and meat together on medium or medium high heat on the stove for about 10-15 minutes until meat is cooked. If using meatballs, cook peppers and onions with seasonings on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. For oven preparation, crumble meat into pan or pot and place in oven at 375 degrees, stirring about every 5 minutes until cooked, about 20 minutes.
5. Add can of tomatoes, beans if using, and meatballs if using
6. Simmer on stovetop for 5-10 minutes or 10-15 minutes if reheating meatballs from frozen
7. Keep warm on low until ready to serve. If using heavy cream or sour cream, stir in just before serving. If reheating pasta in sauce, add in about 5 minutes before serving
8. Serve and enjoy!

Notes for storage and reworking later

• If planning to store for future use, storing pasta separately from the sauce ensures both store better. Try freezing sauce in 1 cup portions for flexibility
• Consider setting aside some sauce for storing or freezing before mixing in sour cream or heavy cream
• To reheat sauce from frozen for future use, add sauce and a little bit of water to a pot on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through or microwave in a large bowl on 80% power in 2 minute increments until thawed, then heat through.