Name: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; • 1 ½ lb lean ground beef; • 1 medium onion, chopped; • 2 cloves garlic, minced; • 1 green pepper, chopped; • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; • 1 bay leaf; • ¼ tsp oregano; • 1 tsp Italian seasoning; • 1 tbsp tomato paste; • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; • 1 can (12 oz) tomato sauce; • ½ tsp salt; • ¼ tsp pepper; • 1 tbsp sugar; • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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2There’s just something about homemade spaghetti sauce that hits different, right? The rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers, the deep flavors from fresh herbs, garlic, and perfectly ripe tomatoes—it’s pure magic. This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a jar. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner for two or a big family feast, this sauce will elevate your pasta to restaurant-quality deliciousness. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Here’s why this sauce will become your new favorite:

Fresh & Flavorful: It’s made with ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs, giving it a taste that’s far superior to anything you’ll get from a can or jar.
Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to your liking—add more garlic, kick up the spice level, or throw in extra veggies to make it your own.
Perfect for Pasta: Of course, it’s perfect on spaghetti, but it’s also great on any pasta shape, pizza, lasagna, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks!
One-Pot Wonder: It’s easy to make in one pot, with minimal prep, so you’ll have less cleanup. Plus, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop—so you can let it cook and walk away.
Made with Love: There’s something so satisfying about making sauce from scratch. It’s like you’re crafting a little piece of Italian goodness right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best homemade spaghetti sauce:

Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and onion. It adds a nice depth of flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Onion: A sweet, mild onion (yellow or white) for that savory base.
Crushed Tomatoes: The main ingredient that gives the sauce its body and rich flavor.
Tomato Paste: Adds extra depth and thickness to the sauce.
Dried Oregano: A classic herb for Italian flavor.
Dried Basil: Adds sweetness and a little peppery kick.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course. Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish (optional), adding a fresh pop of color and flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious sauce:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

2. Add the Tomatoes

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, making sure everything is well combined. The tomato paste will thicken the sauce and make it rich and velvety.

3. Season the Sauce

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Simmer and Stir

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the flavors meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or some extra olive oil to reach your desired consistency.

5. Finish & Serve

Once the sauce is thickened and flavorful, remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, and enjoy! You can also freeze any leftovers for a future pasta night.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 120 (depending on portion size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This sauce is so versatile and can be paired with many delicious sides:

Pasta: Of course, this sauce is perfect with classic spaghetti, but it’s also great on penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even ziti.
Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy, buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette makes the perfect light side to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will take this sauce to the next level!

Additional Tips

Make it Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can swap the crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes or even add a finely chopped carrot or bell pepper to the mix.
Add Meat: If you’re craving a meat sauce, you can brown some ground beef, sausage, or turkey with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs, like fresh basil or thyme, can be added for a more aromatic sauce. You can also use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
Slow Cooker Option: You can easily make this sauce in a slow cooker! Just sauté the onions and garlic, then add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours for a deep, rich flavor.
Double the Recipe: Make a double batch and freeze the extra for a super-easy dinner on a busy night.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A1: Yes! If you have fresh, ripe tomatoes, you can peel, seed, and chop them to use in place of canned tomatoes. Just be aware that fresh tomatoes may need a bit longer to cook down and thicken the sauce.

Q2: How can I make this sauce spicier?
A2: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic. This will give the sauce a nice kick!

Q3: Can I freeze homemade spaghetti sauce?
A3: Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove when ready to use.

Q4: Can I use this sauce for pizza?
A4: Absolutely! This homemade sauce makes a fantastic pizza sauce. Just spread it on your pizza dough and add your favorite toppings.

Q5: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A5: If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for longer to reduce it and thicken the consistency. Adding a bit more tomato paste will also help.

Q6: Can I use this sauce for lasagna?
A6: Yes, this sauce is perfect for lasagna! It will give your lasagna layers a rich, full flavor.

Q7: How do I store leftover sauce?
A7: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day!

Q8: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A8: Yes, this sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to deepen even further.

Q9: What if I don’t have all the herbs listed?
A9: Don’t worry! You can adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand. Try adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or even fresh basil if you prefer.

Q10: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A10: Absolutely! This sauce is delicious with any kind of pasta, from spaghetti to penne to fettuccine. Feel free to use whatever you have in your pantry!

Conclusion

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something truly special. Made with fresh ingredients, love, and a touch of Italian magic, it’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re using it for spaghetti, pizza, or lasagna, it’s bound to impress. Plus, it’s simple enough to make any night of the week! So grab your ingredients and start simmering—you’re about to fall in love with homemade sauce all over again!