Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This homemade spaghetti sauce is rich, flavorful, and easy to make from scratch. Using a combination of ground beef, herbs, and tomatoes, it creates a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. Enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works well, or equal parts beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. You may spoon off excess fat if desired for a leaner sauce.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the ingredients and deepen the flavor.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent splatter.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, simmer the sauce for up to an hour on low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a splash of red wine when adding the tomatoes for extra richness.
• For a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it slightly with an immersion blender before serving.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without meat?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the tomato ingredients and herbs. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?

The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, less tangy sauce. If your tomatoes are very sweet or you prefer a more acidic taste, you can reduce or omit the sugar.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 71 reviews

This homemade spaghetti sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce made with ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a blend of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a classic Italian pasta dinner and can be garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an extra touch.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Meat and Seasonings

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 mix or equal parts beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

Tomato Bases

• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar

Garnish (Optional)

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if desired, though leaving it in adds flavor and richness.
2. Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the beef mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to evenly coat ingredients and deepen the flavor.
4. Add herbs and tomatoes: Sprinkle in dried oregano and basil. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity. Bring the mixture to a uniform boil, stirring occasionally to prevent splatter.
5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently. Allow it to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Spoon off excess fat after browning meat if you prefer a leaner sauce.
• Adjust the sugar amount based on the acidity of your tomatoes.
• Simmering the sauce longer will deepen the flavors, up to an hour if desired.
• Serve garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs for a fresh finish.

Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, Italian sauce, ground beef spaghetti sauce, easy pasta sauce, tomato sauce recipe