Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade spaghetti sauce is a delicious, heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any table. With its rich, savory flavors and aroma that wafts through your kitchen, it’s no wonder this sauce is a staple in Italian-American homes. The perfect blend of fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and savory ground beef makes this sauce a delightful addition to a bowl of al dente spaghetti.
I still remember the first time I made this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe—it was a family gathering, and the sound of my loved ones praising the meal truly warmed my heart. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own sauce from scratch, knowing exactly what goes into it, and savoring its fantastic flavors. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this easy-to-make spaghetti sauce will surely impress your family and friends alike.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, this sauce is a weeknight lifesaver!
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of herbs and tomatoes creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant red sauce over pasta makes for a beautiful meal.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A great base fat that adds flavor and helps sauté aromatics.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; can substitute with shallots or red onion.
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 or 80/20 lean): Provides a hearty texture; ground turkey or veggie crumbles are great alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste): Enhances the overall flavor; use sea salt for a more delicate taste.
- Black pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked pepper deepens the flavor; don’t skip it!
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor; can replace with tomato sauce if needed.
- 4 cloves garlic, grated or minced: Adds a rich aroma; fresh garlic is always best.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami; soy sauce is a suitable alternative.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring the sauce to life; you can mix your own herbs if you prefer.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor profile; fresh oregano can be substituted.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds freshness; fresh parsley can be even better if available.
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce for that rich tomato goodness; diced tomatoes work too.
- 15-ounce can tomato sauce: Enhances the sauce’s consistency; you may also use passata for a smoother finish.
- 1 cup water: Helps to adjust the sauce’s thickness; broth can add more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle sweetness; red wine vinegar is a good alternative.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity in tomatoes; honey or maple syrup also works.
- 1 parmesan cheese rind (optional, but recommended): Deepens flavor during simmering; you can leave it out if unavailable.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Freshens the dish and enhances Italian flavors.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heating it over medium-high. Toss in the 1 diced small yellow onion and 1 pound of ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, crumbling the meat with a spatula as you go. Drain any grease, if necessary.
Combine the Flavors: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, and your 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Cook everything together for about one minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add the Tomatoes: Now it’s time for the stars! Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. To capture any lingering sauce in the cans, add 1 cup of water to each can, swirling to get every bit, and pour that in too.
Perfect the Sauce: Mix in 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, then add the optional 1 parmesan cheese rind to the pot. Bring the sauce to a boil, then cover it, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. The magic happens here—aromas will fill your kitchen!
Finish with Freshness: After simmering, stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil for a burst of flavor. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or let it cool to refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Storing & Reheating
Homemade spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. Once cooled, it can be refrigerated for up to five days, making sure to store it in a glass or plastic container. To freeze, pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to three months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat for about 10 minutes or until bubbling; the flavors may intensify. If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a bit of water or broth!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always bring your ground beef to room temperature before cooking to ensure even browning.
- Keep an eye on your garlic; it can burn quickly, which will affect the sauce’s flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking to avoid over-salting early on.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer with the lid off, allowing for evaporation.
- Experiment with adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
There you have it—a simple yet delectable homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your versions by adding spices or extra veggies; this sauce is a canvas for your culinary flair!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
How do I know if my sauce is cooked enough?
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
How can I make my sauce spicier?
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Spaghetti Sauce
This homemade spaghetti sauce is a delightful blend of hearty ground beef, rich tomatoes, and savory herbs. Ideal for a comforting dinner, it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for anyone looking for quick, delicious meals.
- Prep Time 10 minutes
- Cook Time 40 minutes
- Yield 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 pound ground beef 90/10 or 80/20 lean work well
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic grated or minced
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 parmesan cheese rind optional, but recommended
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and drain excess grease.
- Mix in tomato paste, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Use water to rinse empty cans and add to the pot.
- Stir in sugar and balsamic vinegar, adding the Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
- After simmering, mix in chopped basil and serve over noodles, or cool down to store for later.
Notes
The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future meals.
Feel free to adjust seasoning according to your taste.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
