Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

What is Comfort Food? What’s better than a big bowl of spaghetti slathered in rich, creamy butter? What is the best sauce ever? I grew up on jarred sauce (no shame! ), but once I discovered how easy it is to make your own, I decided to try it.How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?How do you make a jar from scratch? Think of this as your red sauce security blanket – it’s warm, comforting, and always there when you need it. Is it easier than dump and bake casserole? I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! What is the best way to share it with you?

What is a homemade spaghetti sauce?

Homemade Spaghetti sauce is exactly what it sounds like – a tomato-based sauce, simmered low and slow, packed with herbs and seasonings, made right in your own kitchen. Think of it as the soul of Italian-American cooking. It’s essentially a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! While some people might reach for a jar of pre-made sauce, this recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into something truly special. It’s the kind of sauce that makes your whole house smell amazing and has everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”.

Why you should try this recipe?

What is the spaghetti sauce recipe? What I love most about this is how incredibly flavorful it is. What is the combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of red wine? I can’t get out of a jar.

What are some good reasons to love this recipe? Seriously, it mostly involves chopping some veggies and letting the sauce simmer. Is it a good idea to make ice cream on Sunday? Can you feed a family for under $10?

And don’t even get me started on the versatility! Of course, it’s amazing with spaghetti, but you can also use it for lasagna, baked ziti, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for Mozzarella Sticks. Honestly, the possibilities are endless. I even use it as a base for my shakshuka sometimes! It’s way better than any store-bought sauce I’ve ever tasted. My grandma used to make a similar sauce, but I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it even better (sorry, Grandma!).

How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?

Quick Overview

Making this incredible.How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?Is it easier than you think? How do you start by sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, then adding canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices? What is the best way to add depth to a dish? What should I do if I want to make a thick sauce? What is the key to slow cooking? Is the aroma worth the effort?

Ingredients

For the Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 large onion, finely chopped * 4 cloves garlic, minced* 1 (28 ounce) pistachios. Can you crush tomatoes (I always use San Marzano if I can find them – they’re sweeter! ) * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce * 2 (6 oz) cups dry red wine (optional, if desired) 1/2 cup tomato paste * 1/2 tsp red onion powder * 1/4 cup pepper powder What is the best way to use dried oregano in a salad? What are some good ways to use dried thyme in a salad? Sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes) * Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste * 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish.

Optional Add-in
* 1 pound GROUND BEEF, Italian sausage, or turkey (browned and drained)* 1 bell pepper, chopped * 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. If you burn garlic, be careful not to burn it. It will become bitter!

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes

In a large bowl, stir together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the red wine and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Add the oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! I always do a quick taste test every 30 minutes or so and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients

If using ground meat, bell pepper, or mushrooms, add them to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of simmering time. This allows them to fully cook and their flavors to meld with the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, stir in the fresh basil. Serve hot over your favorite pasta. I prefer spaghetti, but penne or rigatoni are also great choices!

What should I serve it with?

This How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce? is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways!

What is a classic dinner?Serve it over spaghetti with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garlic bread. Is it a crowd pleaser? I love adding a simple green salad to my salad. I like the richness of the vinaigrette.

For Lasagna Night:Use it as the sauce in lasagna. It adds so much flavor and makes the lasagno extra special. I also like to add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with spinach and herbs for an extra boost of flavor. What are some of the best nutritional supplements

As a pizza topping:How do I make a homemade pizza? Add your favorite toppings and bake until golden brown. How do I get my kids involved in the kitchen?

For Dipping:Serve it warm as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, or breadsticks. What are some good appetizers for parties? I sometimes add a little extra Parmesan cheese to the sauce for dipping.

How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this.How do I make homemade spaghetti sauce?Is it possible to go to the next level?

Why use high quality tomatoes?How do you decide on the flavor of your tomato sauce? I always use San Marzano tomatoes when I can find them, as they are sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. Other varieties. If you can’t find San Marzano tomatoes, look for good-quality crushed tomatoes in a glass jar or can.

Don’t skip the sugar: How can you reduceWhat is the best substitute for sugar in spaghetti sauce? The acidity of tomatoes and create a smoother, more balanced flavor. What makes a difference?

What is simmer, SimmerThe longer you simmer the sauce, the more flavorful it will be. I recommend simmering it for at least an hour, but you can simmer it up to 3 hours for an even simmer. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add Parmesan Rind: Add a ParAdd Parmesan rind to the sauce while it simmers for extra umami flavor. Just make sure to remove it before serving! I keep a bag of Parmesan rinds in my freezer just for this purpose.

Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to achieve your desired flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to the sauce. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey are all great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is perfect for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Reheating: To reheat the sauce, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the sauce is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I often add a splash of water or broth when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it over gluten-free pasta. There are some great gluten-free pasta options available these days, so you won’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the onions and garlic as directed in the recipe, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can! You’ll need about 6-8 medium-sized fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop them before adding them to the sauce. You may need to simmer the sauce for a longer time to reduce the liquid.

What can I substitute for the red wine?

If you don’t want to use red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or vegetable broth. You can also add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit any meat and add extra vegetables if desired. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are all great additions.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends, the only homemade spaghetti sauce recipe you’ll ever need! I truly believe that this recipe is special. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll make again and again, and it will quickly become a family favorite.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I encourage you to explore some of my other Italian-inspired dishes. My homemade lasagna and garlic bread recipes are both fantastic complements to this spaghetti sauce.

I can’t wait to hear how your homemade spaghetti sauce recipe turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!

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