Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

It’s so simple to whip up. I just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer while I cook the pasta. The smell fills the kitchen and makes my tummy rumble!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Olive Oil: A must for sautéing. If you don’t have olive oil, you can replace it with any vegetable or canola oil. It will still work well!

Onion: This adds a nice flavor base. Yellow onions are great, but you could use shallots or leeks if that’s what you have on hand.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. However, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.

Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes create a rich sauce. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can peel and chop them instead. About 2 pounds should do!

Herbs: Dried herbs are convenient but feel free to use fresh herbs for a fresher taste. Just double the amount if using fresh, since they are milder.

How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with My Sauce?

The key to a flavorful sauce begins with sautéing the onions and garlic. Make sure you cook the onions until they’re soft; it’ll make your sauce taste so much better. Here’s how I like to do it:

• Use medium heat and don’t rush this step; it usually takes about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic after the onions are translucent to avoid burning and bitterness.
• For deep flavor, let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Always taste as you go! This is the best way to see if your sauce needs a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs.

Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious homemade spaghetti sauce will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-45 minutes to simmer gently. So, plan for a total of about 40-55 minutes from start to finish. A great meal in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This step builds a lovely base for the sauce.

2. Add Garlic:

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell that wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly!

3. Mix in Tomatoes and Paste:

Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Also, sprinkle in the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Season the Sauce:

Season your sauce with dried basil, oregano, thyme (if you’re using it), and red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat). Don’t forget to add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate all the flavors.

5. Simmer:

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to intensify and meld together beautifully.

6. Final Taste Check:

Before serving, give your sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to make it just right. If you’re using fresh parsley or basil, stir it in just before serving!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your homemade spaghetti sauce hot over cooked spaghetti noodles or your favorite pasta. Enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone!

Bon appétit!

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Make sure to peel and chop them before adding to the sauce. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to achieve the desired thickness.

Can I Make This Sauce Vegetarian or Vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan as well. Just ensure that any optional ingredients you add, like cheese, are plant-based if desired!

How Can I Store Leftover Sauce?

Any leftover spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

What Can I Serve This Sauce With?

This spaghetti sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, of course! However, you can also serve it over gnocchi, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or even use it as a base for lasagna or stuffed peppers for a hearty meal.