Name: Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional)

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Table of Contents: Spaghetti sauce

Spaghetti sauce

Ever wondered how to transform a simple meal into a heartwarming feast that brings the family together? Look no further than a classic homemade spaghetti sauce—a timeless recipe that’s been passed down through generations and perfected in countless kitchens. Whether you’re craving a rich, chunky spaghetti sauce recipe for a holiday gathering or a quick and easy easy spaghetti sauce on a busy weekday, this versatile dish is your ticket to culinary joy. With its comforting flavors of savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is designed to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Let’s dive into why this spaghetti sauce is a must-try for every food lover!

Why This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Is Your New Go-To Dish

There’s something magic about crafting a spaghetti sauce from scratch. Unlike its store-bought counterparts, a homemade version lets you control every ingredient, balancing sweetness, acidity, and heat to suit your taste. This recipe’s secret lies in its simplicity: combining pantry staples like ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and olive oil with a touch of garlic and herbs to create a sauce that’s equal parts robust and comforting. Perfect for family-style dinners, potluck meals, or even budget-friendly weeknight dinners, this spaghetti sauce recipe delivers big flavor without hours of labor.

But don’t just take our word for it—a great homemade spaghetti sauce is the heart of countless celebrations. From Thanksgiving gatherings to cozy winter nights, this dish pairs effortlessly with a variety of pasta shapes, meats, and sides. Plus, its make-ahead nature makes it ideal for preparing in advance. Freeze batches for quick meals later or double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. Whether you’re serving it over classic spaghetti, over garlic bread, or as a topping for baked ziti, this spaghetti sauce is the ultimate expression of home-cooked love.

Alternate Names & Variations You Might Keyword

This spaghetti sauce recipe is also known as Sunday gravy in New England or pasta bolognese in Italy—names that reflect its global adaptability. For a lighter easy spaghetti sauce, substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for red meat, or use low-sodium canned tomatoes. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and add mushrooms or eggplant for extra depth. Prefer a smoother sauce? Blend half the tomatoes with an immersion blender for a velvety texture. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients: Spaghetti Sauce: The Essential Components

1. 2 lbs ground beef: Choose 80/20 for richness or opt for leaner ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.

2. 28oz cans crushed tomatoes: Use tomato sauce for a thicker base or diced tomatoes for visible chunks.
3. 10oz can tomato paste + 2 cans water: Smooths the sauce and adds vibrancy.
4. 2 tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce ever-so-slightly.
5. 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking.

6. 1 large onion, diced: Sweetness and depth.
7. 1 bell pepper, diced: Adds subtle sweetness.
8. 1-2 tbsp chopped garlic: Essential for aromatic complexity.
9. 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
10. 1-2 tbsp sugar: Balances acidity.
11. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth.
12. 1 tsp crushed red pepper: For a hint of heat.

13. 1 tsp hot sauce: Optional for extra spice.
14. Salt and pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Sauce

1. Brown the Meat
In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink (8–10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add 1 diced onion and 1 bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened (5 minutes). Stir in 1-2 tbsp garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Bloom the Flour
Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.

4. Build the Sauce Base
Stir in 28oz crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture), 10oz tomato paste thinned with 2 cans of water, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1-2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–60 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. For a richer sauce, simmer uncovered for 1–2 hours, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, brown garlic cloves and onion separately before adding them to the pot.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30–60 minutes | Total Time: 40–70 minutes | Servings: 4–6 | Calories: ~300 per serving.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This spaghetti sauce recipe stands out because it balances sweetness (from onions and sugar), acidity (from tomatoes and hot sauce), and umami (from Worcestershire and beef). The long simmer allows flavors to meld while thickening naturally—no roux required! For a homemade spaghetti sauce that’s always crowd-approved, avoid overcrowding the pan when browning meat, and opt for high-quality olive oil.

Pro Tip: Enhance sweetness in winter by adding 1 cup roasted red peppers or ½ cup grated Parmesan at the end. For a meatless version, swap beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

This spaghetti sauce keeps in the fridge for 4–5 days or freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Freeze in family-friendly portions for quick meals later. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit of pasta water or milk to restore its silky texture.

Conclusion: Spaghetti Sauce – Your Comfort Food Staple

This Spaghetti Sauce Recip is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of simplicity and tradition. Whether you’re cooking for four or freezing batches for later, its adaptability ensures it always shines. Share your results with loved ones, experiment with variations, or simply savor the satisfaction of creating something special from scratch. Ready to take your noodle game to new heights? Give this recipe a try, and let us know your favorite tweaks!

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