If there’s a single kitchen project that captures summer’s sweetness and delivers cozy comfort all year long, it’s the Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe. This glorious, garden-inspired sauce combines the deep flavor of roasted tomatoes with aromatic herbs, then preserves it in jars so you can enjoy a homemade touch of sun-ripened goodness even on the coldest days. Whether you’re spooning it over pasta, adding it to a simmering stew, or serving it on homemade pizza, this recipe promises rich flavor and real satisfaction.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This sauce comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Each element contributes its own special character, from sweetness and umami to vibrant color and fragrance.

Tomatoes (14 cups, chopped with a food processor): The heart and soul of the sauce; pick ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor and color.
Onion (1, chopped with a food processor): Adds a mellow sweetness and rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Bell Peppers (3-4, chopped with a food processor): For crunch and a subtle sweetness that plays perfectly with the tomatoes.
Worcestershire Sauce (3 tsp): A depth-booster, supplying a gentle savory tang in each bite.
Dried Parsley Flakes (2 tsp): Brings a pop of freshness and vibrant green color.
Dried Oregano (4 tsp): Lends the unmistakable aromatic punch of Italian-style sauce.
Dried Basil Leaves (2 tsp): Delivers a sweet, herby lift that tastes like summer.
Dried Italian Seasoning (2 tsp): Enhances the herbal notes, tying everything together.
Canning Salt (4 tsp): Essential for balance and also for safe canning; do not skip or substitute with regular salt.
Minced Garlic (3 tsp): Provides aromatic sharpness and warmth to the sauce’s base.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon per jar): Assures safe acidity for canning and adds a lovely brightness to each jar.

How to Make Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe

Step 1: Rinse Your Produce

Kick off your Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe by giving your fresh tomatoes and peppers a thorough rinse. This not only removes dirt but ensures a vibrant, clean taste in your finished sauce. Pat them dry with a clean towel to make them easier to work with.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes and Peppers

Slice up the tomatoes and peppers and spread them across a baking pan. Slipping them under the broiler or roasting them in a hot oven encourages natural sugars to caramelize, delivering a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that sets this sauce apart from anything store-bought.

Step 3: Chop the Roasted Veggies and Onion

Once your tomatoes and peppers have had a chance to cool, load them into your food processor for a few quick pulses. Next, do the same with the onion. You’re aiming for a rustic, chunky texture that will break down beautifully as the sauce simmers.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasonings

Transfer the chopped vegetables into a large pot or roasting pan. Now, it’s time to stir in all your herbs, spices, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and canning salt. This is where the Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe starts to smell irresistible. Stir well, making sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture gently to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Give it a stir now and then, and inhale that wonderful aroma! You can simmer longer for a thick, hearty sauce or less for something smoother—just keep an eye on it and adjust based on your preference.

Step 6: Fill the Jars

With the sauce done, ladle it into sterilized canning jars, leaving a bit of space at the top. For each pint jar, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or 2 tablespoons for quarts) to ensure safe acidity levels for storage. The lemon juice also gives this Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe a gorgeous, tangy brightness.

Step 7: Seal and Process

Carefully wipe the jar rims clean, remove any air bubbles, and affix your lids and bands snugly. Next, process the jars in a water bath canner, keeping a rolling boil going for 20 minutes (pints) or 25 minutes (quarts). This locks in freshness and guarantees shelf-stable results.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Once processed, use a jar lifter to remove the jars and place them on a kitchen towel or cooling rack. Don’t disturb the jars for at least 24 hours while the seals form. You’ll soon hear the satisfying “pop” of lids sealing, assuring you that each jar of Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe is ready for your pantry.

How to Serve Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your plated pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, or even a drizzle of peppery olive oil. These simple garnishes turn the Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe into a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Side Dishes

A generous bowl of garlic bread or a green salad featuring crisp lettuce and tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect partner. The sauce’s deep flavors stand up beautifully to hearty sides, and you can always add roasted vegetables or a protein of your choice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling the sauce over spiralized zucchini for a fresh, lighter twist, or use it as the base for homemade pizzas and casseroles. Tuck it into baked eggplant, spoon it into lasagna, or swirl it into creamy soups for richness—the possibilities with this Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe are simply endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you open a jar and have leftovers, transfer the remaining sauce into a smaller, airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep its fresh flavor and lush texture for up to one week, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Freezing

While this Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe is designed for long-term pantry storage, it also freezes like a dream. Simply let the sauce cool, pour into freezer-safe containers with some headspace, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use.

Reheating

Warm up leftover sauce on the stove over gentle heat, stirring occasionally until hot. A splash of water or broth can help loosen things if the sauce has thickened in the fridge. Taste, and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a pinch more salt to revive its garden-fresh zing.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While classics like Roma or San Marzano work beautifully, you can mix in heirlooms or any sweet, flavorful tomato you have. Just note that juicier tomatoes may need a longer simmer to achieve your preferred thickness.

Why do I need lemon juice in every jar?

Lemon juice raises the acidity of the sauce, making it safe for water bath canning. It’s essential for food safety and also gives the finished sauce a pleasant, bright undertone.

How do I know if my jars sealed properly?

After cooling for 24 hours, check that each lid has sealed by pressing in the center—a properly sealed lid won’t flex or pop. If any jars didn’t seal, refrigerate them and use within a week.

Can I double or halve the Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe?

You can absolutely adjust the batch size! Just keep the ratios and canning times the same to ensure consistent results and food safety. A bigger batch means more jars to enjoy or share.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

A blender or even a sturdy hand-chop will work in a pinch. The texture might be a bit chunkier, but that rustic quality just adds homemade charm.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste your own Homemade Roasted Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Canning Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for the store-bought jars. Bringing out this sauce in the depths of winter is like opening a window onto a summer garden, and there’s nothing more rewarding than sharing a meal made with ingredients you preserved yourself. Give it a try soon—your future pasta nights will thank you!