Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
There’s nothing quite like the smell of homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove—it’s the kind of aroma that feels like a warm hug. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just a dish; it’s a tradition in my family. I first decided to make this sauce when my youngest started asking for “spaghetti like Grandma makes.” I took it as a challenge to recreate those comforting, familiar flavors, and, after some trial and error, this recipe was born.
What I love most about this sauce is its versatility. It’s rich, hearty, and brimming with the robust flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. Whether it’s ladled over pasta, used as a base for lasagna, or spooned onto a slice of fresh bread, it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
The best part? Watching my family’s faces light up as they take their first bite. My kids often ask for second helpings (and sometimes thirds!), and my husband swears it’s better than anything you’d find in a restaurant. This spaghetti sauce has become a staple in our weekly rotation, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh, ripe tomatoes on hand, blanch, peel, and puree them before adding them to the recipe.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course. Simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Spaghetti is a classic choice, but this sauce also works wonderfully with penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles.
Can I make this in advance?
Definitely. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
What You Need to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Tools:
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the Meat (if using): Add ground beef or sausage to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season and Finish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve: Ladle over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Let It Simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for added texture.
Double the Recipe: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This sauce is amazing! My whole family loved it, and it was so easy to make.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe for busy nights. Next time, I might add a little more garlic!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’ve tried many spaghetti sauce recipes, but this one is a keeper. So flavorful!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It’s good, but I found it a bit too thick. Adding some broth helped.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is my new go-to sauce recipe. My kids couldn’t get enough!”
Printable Recipe
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and hearty homemade spaghetti sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this versatile sauce will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook the Meat (if using): Add ground beef or sausage to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season and Finish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve: Ladle over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Sharing recipes is one of the best ways to bring people together. If you loved this homemade spaghetti sauce, I’d be thrilled if you shared it with your friends and family. Tag me on social media so I can see your creations—it makes my day to know my recipe brought a little extra joy to your table. Let’s spread the love, one delicious bowl of pasta at a time!
