Delicious and Easy Recipes Using Miller’s Marinara Sauce
Miller’s Marinara Sauce is a versatile and flavorful pantry staple that can elevate countless dishes. Its rich tomato base, infused with herbs and spices, provides a perfect foundation for quick weeknight meals or more elaborate culinary creations. This article explores a variety of delicious and easy recipes showcasing the versatility of Miller’s Marinara Sauce, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you create memorable meals.
## Why Choose Miller’s Marinara Sauce?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand why Miller’s Marinara Sauce is a great choice:
* **High-Quality Ingredients:** Miller’s prides itself on using fresh, high-quality tomatoes, herbs, and spices, ensuring a vibrant and authentic flavor.
* **Convenience:** It’s a ready-to-use sauce, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. No need to simmer tomatoes for hours – Miller’s has already done the work for you!
* **Versatility:** From pasta dishes to pizzas, appetizers to casseroles, Miller’s Marinara Sauce can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes.
* **Flavor Profile:** The well-balanced blend of herbs and spices creates a flavorful sauce that complements various ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser.
* **Availability:** Miller’s Marinara Sauce is widely available in most grocery stores, making it an easily accessible pantry essential.
## Recipe 1: Classic Spaghetti with Miller’s Marinara Sauce and Meatballs
This is a timeless classic that’s always a hit. Using Miller’s Marinara Sauce makes it even easier and faster to prepare.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. **Form the Meatballs:** Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. **Brown the Meatballs:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
4. **Add the Marinara Sauce:** Pour Miller’s Marinara Sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the meatballs to fully cook and the flavors to meld together.
5. **Cook the Spaghetti:** While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce while it’s simmering.
* You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for the meatballs.
* Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet before browning the meatballs for extra flavor.
* For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it’s simmering.
* Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
## Recipe 2: Miller’s Marinara Sauce Pizza
Skip the takeout and create your own delicious pizza at home using Miller’s Marinara Sauce as the base.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives)
* Olive oil
* Cornmeal (optional, for dusting the pizza stone or baking sheet)
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. **Prepare the Pizza Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out or stretch the pizza dough to your desired size and shape.
3. **Transfer the Dough:** If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. If using a baking sheet, lightly grease the baking sheet and place the dough on it.
4. **Add the Marinara Sauce:** Spread Miller’s Marinara Sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
5. **Add the Cheese and Toppings:** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. Add your favorite pizza toppings. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
6. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a crispier crust, brush the edge of the crust with olive oil before baking.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Parmesan, or fontina.
* Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the pizza before baking for extra flavor.
* Try different topping combinations, such as Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) or vegetarian (mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives).
* For a gourmet pizza, add ingredients like prosciutto, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
## Recipe 3: Baked Ziti with Miller’s Marinara Sauce and Ricotta Cheese
Baked ziti is a comforting and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Miller’s Marinara Sauce adds a delicious flavor to this classic dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the Ziti:** Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. **Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, Miller’s Marinara Sauce, and the ricotta mixture. Mix gently to combine.
5. **Assemble the Casserole:** Pour half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the remaining ziti mixture over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. **Bake the Casserole:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or vegetables to the ziti mixture for a heartier casserole.
* Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
* Add a layer of sliced eggplant or zucchini to the casserole for a vegetarian option.
* For a creamier casserole, add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.
* Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
## Recipe 4: Miller’s Marinara Sauce Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home with Miller’s Marinara Sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
2. **Set Up the Breading Station:** Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Bread the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
4. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Add the Marinara Sauce and Cheese:** Pour Miller’s Marinara Sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and cook for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve with spaghetti or a side salad.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
* Add a layer of sliced provolone cheese under the mozzarella cheese for a richer flavor.
* Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for a more authentic flavor.
* Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicier dish.
* Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli.
## Recipe 5: Miller’s Marinara Sauce Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Miller’s Marinara Sauce adds a delicious tang to the filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 bell peppers (any color)
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped carrots
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Bell Peppers:** Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the bell peppers in a baking dish.
3. **Cook the Filling:** In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Combine the Filling Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, rice, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of Miller’s Marinara Sauce. Mix well.
5. **Stuff the Bell Peppers:** Spoon the filling into the bell pepper halves, packing it tightly. Pour the remaining Miller’s Marinara Sauce over the stuffed bell peppers.
6. **Bake the Bell Peppers:** Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. If desired, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
7. **Serve:** Let the stuffed bell peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option.
* Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for extra vegetables.
* Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a more flavorful filling.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicier dish.
* Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
## Recipe 6: Miller’s Marinara Sauce Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that’s perfect for parties or a light snack. Using Miller’s Marinara Sauce as a topping adds a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
2. **Prepare the Marinara Topping:** In a bowl, combine Miller’s Marinara Sauce, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. **Assemble the Bruschetta:** Spoon the marinara topping onto the toasted baguette slices.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Grill the baguette slices instead of baking them for a smoky flavor.
* Add diced tomatoes, red onion, or mozzarella cheese to the marinara topping.
* Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
* Rub the toasted baguette slices with a clove of garlic before topping with the marinara mixture.
* Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
## Recipe 7: Miller’s Marinara Sauce Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
A quick and elegant dish, shrimp scampi is a restaurant favorite easily recreated at home with the help of Miller’s Marinara Sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound linguine pasta
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Linguine:** Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Sauté the Garlic:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. **Add the Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
4. **Deglaze with Wine (Optional):** If using, pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. **Add the Marinara Sauce:** Stir in Miller’s Marinara Sauce, parsley, butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
6. **Combine with Pasta:** Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
* Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
* Substitute chicken broth for the white wine.
* Serve with garlic bread for dipping.
* For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
## Recipe 8: Miller’s Marinara Sauce Vegetarian Lasagna
A meatless version of the Italian classic. Layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, vegetables, and Miller’s Marinara make for a satisfying and hearty dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 9 lasagna noodles
* 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 (24-ounce) jar Miller’s Marinara Sauce
* 1 zucchini, sliced
* 1 yellow squash, sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare Ricotta Mixture:** In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a skillet, sauté zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and mushrooms until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. **Assemble Lasagna:** Spread a thin layer of Miller’s Marinara Sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with half of the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining vegetables, 1/3 mozzarella. Top with remaining noodles, remaining marinara sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. **Bake:** Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add spinach or kale to the vegetable mixture.
* Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
* Prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
* Add a layer of sliced eggplant.
* Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
## Conclusion
As you can see, Miller’s Marinara Sauce is a versatile and convenient ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious and easy recipes. From classic pasta dishes to flavorful appetizers and hearty casseroles, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a jar of Miller’s Marinara Sauce and start experimenting in the kitchen today! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create restaurant-quality meals at home.
By using these recipes and tips, you can unlock the full potential of Miller’s Marinara Sauce and create countless memorable meals for your family and friends. Happy cooking!