Name: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Spaghetti Sauce:; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works well); 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 15 oz can tomato sauce; 1 tsp sugar; Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade spaghetti sauce is rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Made with ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a perfect blend of herbs, it’s an easy and satisfying sauce that will elevate any pasta dish. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a fresh, flavorful sauce that’s better than store-bought. It’s perfect for family dinners, pasta nights, or even as a base for other dishes like lasagna or pizza. Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (80/20 works well)
1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a 5 qt Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Optionally, spoon off excess fat for a leaner sauce.
Sauté the Onion: Add diced onion to the beef and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat everything and enhance the flavor.
Add Herbs and Tomatoes: Stir in oregano and basil. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add sugar to balance acidity. Stir everything together and bring to a boil, reducing heat to prevent splatter.
Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat and partially cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Serve: Spoon the sauce over cooked spaghetti and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for some heat.
Herb Variation: Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor. Add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This sauce freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin it out, depending on the consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this spaghetti sauce without meat?

Yes, you can make this sauce vegetarian by using plant-based meat or mushrooms in place of the ground beef.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply simmer it longer, uncovered, to allow more liquid to evaporate. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste for added richness.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but you’ll need to peel, chop, and cook them down until they release their juices. A can of crushed tomatoes is often more convenient and gives a smoother texture.

How do I store spaghetti sauce for later?

Let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezing it for up to 3 months.

Can I add vegetables to this sauce?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onions.

Can I use a different type of meat for the sauce?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage are great alternatives to ground beef.

What should I serve with homemade spaghetti sauce?

Homemade spaghetti sauce is perfect with any type of pasta, from traditional spaghetti to penne or fettuccine. You can also use it for lasagna or as a topping for meatballs.

How do I know when the sauce is done?

The sauce is ready when it has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded together. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes of simmering.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.

What can I do with leftover spaghetti sauce?

Leftover spaghetti sauce can be used in various dishes, such as lasagna, baked ziti, or as a dip for breadsticks or pizza.

Conclusion

This homemade spaghetti sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s simple to make and perfect for any pasta lover. With its savory ground beef, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this sauce brings all the deliciousness of classic Italian cooking into your kitchen. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and can be stored or frozen for future meals. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a meal for the week, this spaghetti sauce will become a go-to favorite!