Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is flavorful, hearty, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Slow simmering creates a rich and balanced sauce that tastes far better than store-bought versions. It is versatile, freezer-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup water

Optional additions:

• Ground beef or sausage
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan cheese
• Mushrooms

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Stir well until combined.

Season with sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Pour in the water and stir again.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve warm over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add ground beef or Italian sausage for a meat sauce.

Use fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter flavor.

Add mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.

Use roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

Add cream for a creamy tomato sauce variation.

Storage/Reheating

Store Homemade Spaghetti Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freeze cooled sauce for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes. Fresh tomatoes can be cooked down, though the simmering time may increase.

Why add sugar to spaghetti sauce?

A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes.

Can I make this sauce vegetarian?

Yes. Simply leave out any meat additions.

How do I thicken spaghetti sauce?

Simmer the sauce uncovered to reduce excess liquid.

What herbs work best?

Basil, oregano, parsley, and Italian seasoning are classic choices.

Can I make this sauce spicy?

Yes. Add more red pepper flakes or chili powder.

What pasta pairs best with this sauce?

Spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The flavor often improves after resting overnight.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes. Homemade spaghetti sauce freezes very well.

What dishes can I use this sauce for?

It works for pasta, lasagna, pizza, meatball subs, or baked pasta dishes.

Conclusion

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, comforting, and versatile recipe filled with classic tomato and herb flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for countless meals, this homemade sauce brings warmth and delicious flavor to any pasta night.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and savory tomato-based sauce simmered with garlic, onions, herbs, and seasonings for deep comforting flavor. This easy homemade sauce is perfect for pasta, lasagna, meatballs, and more.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Simmer
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup water
• Optional: ground beef or sausage
• Optional: fresh basil
• Optional: Parmesan cheese
• Optional: mushrooms

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then stir until combined.
5. Season with sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour in the water and stir well.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
8. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve warm over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Notes

• Add ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meat sauce.
• Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs for brighter flavor.
• Add mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg