Traditional Quebec Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Name: Traditional Quebec Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 170 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 1 kg ground beef; 2 large onions (chopped); 4 stalks celery (chopped); 250 g mushrooms (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cans diced tomatoes (796 ml each); 1 can tomato paste (156 ml); 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

170 min 8 servings Easy

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Traditional Quebec Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Discover the heartwarming flavours of Quebec with this sweet, celery-forward spaghetti sauce. Perfect for big batches and long simmers.

Prep

20 min

Cook

150 min

Total

170 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Quebec's spaghetti sauce, or 'sauce à spaghetti', is a comforting staple in many Canadian households. Unlike its Italian counterpart, this sauce is looser and sweeter, with a distinct emphasis on celery and a hint of brown sugar. It's a recipe handed down through generations, perfect for large family gatherings or for stocking up your freezer with homemade goodness. The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity and depth of flavour. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, mushrooms, and celery creates a hearty base, while the brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy tomatoes. This sauce is versatile, too, making it ideal for both pasta dishes and as a topping for baked potatoes or rice.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.

Pro tip: Ensure beef is evenly browned for best flavour.

Sauté Vegetables

Add onions, celery, and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Pro tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Pro tip: Avoid burning garlic for optimal taste.

Combine Tomatoes and Paste

Mix in diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up tomato paste.

Season the Sauce

Add brown sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute evenly.

Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Simmer the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally.

Pro tip: The longer the simmer, the richer the flavour.

Slow Cooker Adaptation

Transfer browned beef and sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Pro tip: Perfect for making ahead and keeping warm.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.</li><li>Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavour.</li><li>Simmer sauce longer for deeper taste.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

To serve, ladle the sauce generously over your favourite pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal. Make-ahead options are straightforward—this sauce freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months, making it an excellent option for quick, homemade meals on busy nights.