Is there anything more comforting than a plate of spaghetti topped with rich, homemade sauce?
Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this classic spaghetti sauce recipe is a winner.
It’s hearty, full of flavor, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (simmer for best flavor)
- Perfect For: Families, busy weeknights, meal prep, or Sunday dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Rich, bold flavor without complicated steps
- ✅ Customizable – make it meaty, veggie-packed, or spicy
- ✅ Budget-friendly with everyday ingredients
- ✅ Freezer-friendly for quick future meals
- ✅ Better than store-bought jars every time
Ingredients Needed 🛒
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based alternative)
- 2 cans (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil mix)
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap crushed tomatoes with fresh blended tomatoes.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce Recipes 🍅
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Add ground beef (or chosen protein) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth.
- Season with Italian herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- 🍖 Meat lovers: Add Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- 🥦 Veggie version: Skip meat and add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- 🧄 Extra rich flavor: Add a splash of red wine during simmering.
- 🍲 Creamy twist: Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- ⚠️ Avoid burning: Keep heat low while simmering and stir occasionally.
What to Serve It With
This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with:
- 🍝 Classic spaghetti or linguine
- 🥗 Caesar salad or garden salad
- 🥖 Garlic bread or focaccia
- 🍚 Over rice for a quick twist
- 🧀 Baked into lasagna or stuffed shells
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if thick.
Nutrition Info (Per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 9g
Printable Spaghetti Sauce Recipe 📝
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 cup broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil, sauté onion & garlic.
- Brown beef, drain fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, paste, broth, and seasoning.
- Simmer 30–40 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with basil.
FAQs About Spaghetti Sauce Recipes
1. Can I make spaghetti sauce without meat?
Yes! Just skip the beef and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or peppers.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely. Blanch, peel, and blend fresh tomatoes for a garden-fresh taste.
3. How do I thicken spaghetti sauce?
Simmer uncovered longer, or add a bit more tomato paste.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. What’s the secret to the best flavor?
Letting it simmer low and slow, and don’t skip the sugar—it balances acidity perfectly.
Conclusion
Homemade spaghetti sauce recipes are a must-have in every kitchen.
They’re easy, customizable, and taste far better than store-bought jars.
Whether you prefer a meaty, veggie-packed, or creamy version, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ava Grace is a passionate storyteller and content creator who believes in the power of words to inspire, entertain, and connect people. With a natural flair for writing and a love for creativity, Ava brings fresh perspectives to every piece of content she creates.
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When Ava isn’t writing, you’ll often find her exploring new ideas, sipping coffee , or enjoying the little moments that spark creativity. Her mission is simple: to create content that resonates, helps, and leaves a lasting impact.
