Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe is simple and delicious, using fresh ingredients for a rich, authentic flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day. For more pasta inspiration, try this Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe or this classic Pasta e Ceci.

Ingredients

This rich and savory Homemade Spaghetti Sauce simmers to perfection, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of tomatoes, herbs, and seasoned beef.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, delivering rich flavor in less time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 pound ground beef, 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 6 ounces tomato paste, and seasonings like 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. Having everything measured and ready makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3 — Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. For a richer flavor, let the meat develop a slight crust on the bottom of the pot before stirring.

Step 4 — Add Tomato Base

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined with the meat and aromatics. The tomato paste will help thicken your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.

Step 5 — Season the Sauce

Add the dried basil, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. For deeper flavor, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6 — Simmer to Develop Flavor

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For best results, simmer for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld completely.

Step 7 — Check Consistency and Adjust

After simmering, check your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce’s thickness. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8 — Final Taste Test

Do a final taste test and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. For brightness, stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving.

Step 9 — Serve and Store

Serve your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce immediately over cooked pasta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months. The flavor often improves the next day.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	8g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	7g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — A lighter protein option that still provides hearty texture and savory flavor.
• Lentils or Mushrooms — Excellent plant-based swaps that add earthy depth and make this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce vegetarian-friendly.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) — A low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that pairs perfectly with this rich sauce.
• Nutritional Yeast — Adds a cheesy, umami flavor for a dairy-free topping instead of Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use brown rice or chickpea pasta to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing satisfaction.
• Low-Sodium Broth & No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Control sodium levels by using these ingredients as the base for your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.
• Extra Vegetables (Carrots, Bell Peppers) — Blend finely for natural sweetness and added nutrients without altering the classic sauce taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce over al dente spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian dinner.
• Use as a base for baked pasta dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.
• Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
• For a heartier meal, add Italian sausage or meatballs to the sauce.
• Serve in a shallow bowl with the pasta twirled neatly and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a vibrant finish.

This versatile Homemade Spaghetti Sauce can be customized to suit any taste or occasion, making it a staple in your recipe collection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned tomatoes without tasting first. Fix: Sample your tomatoes and adjust sugar or salt to balance their natural acidity.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan with raw vegetables. Fix: Sauté onions and garlic in batches if needed to achieve proper caramelization, not steaming.
• Mistake: Adding dried herbs at the very end. Fix: Stir them in early so they have time to rehydrate and infuse the entire Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.
• Mistake: Skipping the tomato paste sauté. Fix: Cook the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes until it darkens, which deepens the overall flavor.
• Mistake: Rushing the simmering process. Fix: Let your sauce bubble gently for at least 30-45 minutes to develop a rich, concentrated taste.
• Mistake: Not seasoning in layers. Fix: Add a little salt when sautéing aromatics, then again after the tomatoes go in, and finally adjust before serving.
• Mistake: Using a thin-bottomed pot that causes scorching. Fix: Opt for a heavy Dutch oven or stockpot for even, consistent heat distribution.
• Mistake: Adding too much liquid at the start. Fix: Tomatoes release water as they cook; begin with less broth or water and add more only if needed.
• Mistake: Forgetting to reserve pasta water. Fix: Save a cup of the starchy cooking liquid to help your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated Homemade Spaghetti Sauce reaches a safe internal temperature.

Conclusion

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a simple, flavorful staple for any home cook. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious pasta dishes, check out our Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe or Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and tasty recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce stores well. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken it. For a quicker method, stir in a small amount of tomato paste, which will enrich the flavor and texture of your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely. Use about 2 pounds of ripe Roma or plum tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the pot. The cooking time may be slightly longer to achieve the desired consistency for your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.