Name: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
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)

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!