There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a rich, homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. This recipe is a game-changer bursting with flavor, made from simple ingredients, and guaranteed to elevate your pasta nights. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or indulging in a comforting meal for yourself, this sauce is the perfect choice. Here’s why:
Versatile: Great for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Serve it over spaghetti, use it as a pizza sauce, or layer it into a lasagna for extra depth of flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples that you probably already have. No need for fancy ingredients just good, honest flavors.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps and foolproof results. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe will guide you to success.
Customizable: Adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. Love a bit of heat? Add crushed red pepper. Prefer it mild? Keep it classic.
Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults. Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
This sauce is made with a handful of simple ingredients, but together they create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
Olive Oil: The base for sautéing and enhancing flavors.
Onion: Adds depth and a natural sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic: Because no good spaghetti sauce is complete without it!
Ground Beef (Optional): For a hearty, meaty sauce. You can swap it for ground turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—rich, tangy, and full of flavor.
Tomato Paste: Helps thicken the sauce and deepen the tomato taste.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who love a little heat.
Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds a bright, fresh finish to the sauce.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a flavorful spaghetti sauce:
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the Meat (If Using): Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess grease.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes.
Simmer to Perfection: Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Ladle over pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
Over Pasta: Classic and delicious toss with spaghetti or penne for a comforting meal.
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of sauce.
In a Lasagna: Layer this sauce into lasagna for extra flavor and richness.
On Pizza: Spread it over a homemade pizza crust for a fantastic sauce base.
With Vegetables: Serve over spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Spice It Up: Experiment with extra seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne for a unique twist.
Make It Healthier: Use lean ground turkey or go meat-free for a lighter version.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Double the Batch: This sauce freezes beautifully, so make extra for a quick meal on busy days.
FAQ Section
1. Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned? Yes! Use 6-8 fresh tomatoes, peeled and blended, but note the sauce may take longer to thicken.
2. Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the onions, garlic, and meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. What if my sauce is too thick? Add a splash of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Can I make this without sugar? Yes! If you prefer to avoid sugar, try adding grated carrot or a splash of balsamic vinegar for natural sweetness.
5. How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
6. Can I freeze this sauce? Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers.
7. What’s the best pasta to pair with this sauce? Spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine are all great options!
8. Can I add vegetables to the sauce? Definitely! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
9. How do I reheat frozen sauce? Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
10. Can I make this sauce dairy-free? Yes, this sauce is naturally dairy-free. Just skip the Parmesan topping!
Conclusion
This homemade spaghetti sauce is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, in lasagna, or on a pizza, it’s the perfect way to bring comfort and deliciousness to your table. Give it a try, and trust me you’ll never want store-bought again!
Print
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic Italian herbs. Simmered to perfection, it’s the perfect topping for pasta, lasagna, or even as a dipping sauce!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in water and mix to reach the desired consistency.
- Stir in sugar, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for up to 1 hour.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or store in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- For a meat sauce: Brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the tomatoes.
- For a smoother sauce: Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Storage: This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: ~80 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg