Soulful Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe From Scratch

Weeknight dinners demand a quick and delicious easy homemade spaghetti sauce that brings comfort to the table.

Bold Italian flavors burst through every spoonful of this simple recipe.

Rich tomatoes and aromatic herbs combine to create a sauce that feels like a warm hug.

Garlic and onions sizzle in the pan, releasing their irresistible fragrance.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this straightforward culinary creation.

Home cooks will love how effortlessly this sauce comes together in just minutes.

Prepare to transport your taste buds straight to an Italian kitchen with this mouthwatering sauce that promises to become your new favorite recipe.

Spaghetti Sauce Tricks from the Pros

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Crush dried herbs between your palms before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the sauce's overall taste.
• Adjust thickness by adding water gradually or simmering longer to reach your desired texture without compromising flavor.
• Add garlic and herbs at different stages to develop deeper, more complex flavor notes throughout cooking process.
• Store leftover sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and preserving homemade goodness.

Sauce Variations for Every Craving

• Vegetarian Marinara Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free sauce that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Ensure all ingredients like tomato sauce and paste are certified gluten-free, and serve over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Version Add red pepper flakes, extra garlic, and a dash of cayenne to transform the classic sauce into a fiery Italian-style arrabbiata that brings intense heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend Incorporate fresh oregano, basil, and thyme with a splash of red wine to create a more complex, aromatic sauce with Mediterranean undertones.

Plating Up Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

• Pasta Pairing Paradise: Choose classic spaghetti noodles for traditional comfort or explore whole wheat options for a healthier twist.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve in a large ceramic bowl with warm garlic bread and extra Parmesan cheese on the side for a hearty family dinner experience.
• Gourmet Garnish Station: Set out fresh chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and additional grated cheese to let everyone customize their sauce according to personal taste preferences.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining sauce into a delicious lasagna or use as a topping for baked chicken breasts to create exciting next-day meals.

Storing Your Spaghetti Sauce the Right Way

• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 3-4 months, maintaining best flavor and quality.
• Place sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Warm sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water if sauce appears too thick, helping restore original consistency and preventing scorching.

FAQs

• What makes this spaghetti sauce different from store-bought versions?

This homemade sauce gives you complete control over ingredients, avoiding preservatives and allowing you to customize flavors precisely to your taste. It’s fresher, more authentic, and you can adjust seasonings instantly.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture to maintain the sauce’s rich consistency.

• How do I prevent my sauce from becoming too watery?

The key is to drain excess fat after browning the meat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for the full 45-50 minutes. This allows natural evaporation and helps thicken the sauce naturally without adding extra thickeners.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Flavor Wins

• Whip up a hearty, soul-warming sauce that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Create a delicious meal that saves money by using affordable ground beef and pantry staples, perfect for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching meats, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Batch cook this versatile sauce and freeze in portions, ensuring you always have a delicious, homemade dinner solution ready in minutes.

What’s Needed for Spaghetti Sauce

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides a robust flavor and texture to the spaghetti sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: These classic aromatics add depth and a savory base to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: These tomato products create a thick, rich base that forms the core of the spaghetti sauce, providing a tangy and smooth consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Herbs: These seasonings work together to elevate and balance the flavors of the sauce, adding complexity and depth.

• Water: Used to adjust the sauce's consistency and help it simmer smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: These optional toppings add a salty, sharp cheese flavor and a fresh herbal garnish to the finished dish.

Gear for Making Spaghetti Sauce at Home

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy pot perfect for browning meat and simmering sauce evenly.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching pot surface.
• Measuring spoons: Essential for adding precise amounts of seasonings.
• Can opener: Needed to open tomato sauce and crushed tomato containers.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from ground beef.
• Sharp knife: Required for chopping optional garnish like parsley.

The Steps to Classic Spaghetti Sauce

Step 1: Brown Meaty Goodness

Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it turns a beautiful golden brown, breaking it up into small pieces.

Once the meat is nicely browned, drain away the extra fat.

Next, add the chopped onions and cook them until they become soft and see-through, releasing their sweet aroma.

• Ground beef
• Onions

Tip: Make sure to break up the beef into small crumbles for the best texture.

Step 2: Awaken the Tomato Flavors

Introduce minced garlic and tomato paste to the pan, stirring them around for about a minute to wake up their intense flavors.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Dried herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together, letting the ingredients get to know each other.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Deep Flavors

Fill the empty tomato sauce can with water and pour it into the pot.

This helps to rinse out any remaining tomato goodness and adds the perfect amount of liquid.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, partially cover the pot with a lid, and let the sauce bubble away slowly.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors meld together.

Let it cook for about 45-50 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and rich.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

When the sauce has reached a perfect consistency, it’s ready to be served.

Ladle the warm, fragrant sauce over your favorite cooked pasta.

Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty spaghetti sauce from Italy delights dinner tables with rich tomato flavors and classic herbs. Home cooks can quickly prepare this comforting meal that connects families around warm, delicious plates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Components:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste concentrate

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high temperature. Sear ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until richly browned for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Eliminate excess grease from the meat. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate tomato paste and minced garlic, stirring continuously for one minute to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and blend all selected seasonings thoroughly.
5. Fill the empty tomato sauce container with water and add to the mixture, creating a harmonious consistency.
6. Reduce cooking temperature to low, partially cover the pot with a lid, and allow sauce to gently simmer for 45-50 minutes.
7. Periodically stir the sauce, monitoring its gradual thickening and developing deep, rich flavors.
8. Once sauce reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and let rest briefly.
9. Ladle the robust sauce over freshly prepared pasta, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, healthier sauce base.
• Consider using turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options that maintain rich flavor profiles.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like fresh basil or oregano instead of dried seasonings to elevate the sauce’s aromatic complexity.
• Allow sauce to cool and store in airtight containers for up to 5 days, as flavors develop and intensify over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg