This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen with simple, fresh ingredients. Rich with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this sauce simmers to perfection, creating a comforting, versatile base for any pasta dish. A sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan adds a gourmet touch, making it a meal that everyone will love. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this sauce offers a delightful balance of flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Full of Flavor: The combination of onions, garlic, and herbs brings out a deep, robust flavor in the tomatoes, making this sauce incredibly rich and aromatic.
Easy and Customizable: This recipe is straightforward and easy to adjust to your taste by varying the amount of herbs, garlic, or even adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Versatile: Use this sauce over pasta, in lasagna, as a pizza sauce, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: This sauce stores well, allowing you to enjoy homemade Italian flavors anytime with minimal effort.
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Key Ingredients:
Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor, as it forms the base of the sauce.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add a foundational sweetness and depth. Finely chopping the onion allows it to cook down and blend smoothly into the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes provide a thick, smooth consistency. Look for tomatoes with no added salt if you prefer to control the seasoning.
Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add texture and a rustic feel to the sauce. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after simmering.
Dried Basil and Oregano: These classic Italian herbs enhance the sauce with a fragrant, earthy flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute and increase the quantity slightly.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust to taste based on the natural sweetness of your tomatoes.
Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional but adds a subtle heat, which you can increase or omit based on your preference.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
Heat the Olive Oil: Begin by heating a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the olive oil.
Cook the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. This step builds a foundational flavor for the sauce.
Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Combine Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Then, stir in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat).
Simmer for Flavor: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the sauce uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 3: Final Adjustments
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce to check the flavor. If it’s too acidic, add a little more sugar to balance it out. Adjust other seasonings as needed.
Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your preferred consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.
Serve with Pasta
Serve: Ladle the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile tomato sauce can be used in many ways beyond just pasta:
Meatballs: Serve with Italian-style meatballs or add the meatballs directly to the sauce while simmering to infuse them with flavor.
Lasagna or Baked Ziti: Use this sauce as a base for layering in lasagna or with ziti in a baked pasta dish.
Pizza Sauce: Spread it on pizza dough for a delicious homemade pizza.
Eggplant or Chicken Parmesan: Use as a topping for breaded and fried eggplant or chicken, covered with mozzarella and baked until bubbly.
Dip for Breadsticks: Serve warm as a dipping sauce for garlic breadsticks or focaccia.
Storage and Freezing Tips:
This spaghetti sauce stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigeration: Place leftover sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Variations:
Meaty Marinara: Add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both for a hearty meat sauce.
Vegetable Marinara: Add finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onions for a veggie-packed sauce.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, pink tomato sauce.
Wine-Infused Sauce: Add 1/2 cup of red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let it cook down before adding the tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Herbed Fresh Tomato Sauce: Substitute fresh tomatoes (about 2 pounds, peeled and chopped) for a fresher, lighter sauce. Simmer until thickened, adding fresh basil or parsley toward the end.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a classic Italian-style recipe that brings rich, hearty flavors to any pasta dish. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a versatile sauce that can be tailored to suit your tastes, from a meat sauce variation to a creamy tomato base. It’s a great recipe to make in large batches, as it freezes well and can be repurposed in various Italian-inspired dishes.
Give this sauce a try, and enjoy a taste of Italy in every spoonful!
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing onions and garlic
- 1 onion finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for added heat
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
- grated parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Lower heat and simmer the sauce uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste, and add more sugar if needed to balance acidity.
- Serve the sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese as desired.