Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This homemade spaghetti sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any pasta night. With fresh herbs and a well-balanced blend of seasonings, it brings a comforting, classic taste that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Sauté diced onion for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add ground beef with a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling the meat with a spatula, until browned throughout.
5. Step 5: Stir in tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
6. Step 6: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, along with a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Step 7: Add bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 30 to 60 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
8. Step 8: Stir in fresh chopped basil and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm over your favorite pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for texture.
• Use dried herbs if fresh basil and parsley aren’t available; add them earlier in the cooking process for better flavor release.
• Add a splash of red wine during step 6 for deeper complexity.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender before adding fresh herbs.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce actually benefits from resting as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving for the best taste.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, substitute with soy sauce or omit it; the sauce will still be delicious but slightly less savory.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 115 reviews

A rich and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, fresh herbs, and a blend of tomatoes and seasonings. This classic Italian-inspired sauce simmers to perfection on the stovetop, offering a hearty and comforting topping for your favorite pasta dishes.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Olive Oil and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce

Fresh Herbs

• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the aromatics.
2. Sauté Onion: Add diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan along with generous pinches of salt and pepper. Use a spatula to crumble the meat and cook until browned and no longer pink.
5. Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
6. Combine Tomatoes and Additional Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer with Bay Leaves: Add bay leaves, bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 30-60 minutes to develop flavors.
8. Add Fresh Herbs and Final Seasoning: Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh chopped basil and parsley, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

• This sauce can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Adjust the sugar depending on the acidity of your tomatoes and your taste preference.
• For a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing of garlic and seasoning.
• Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Simmering longer up to an hour deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce.

Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, Italian sauce, ground beef pasta sauce, tomato sauce recipe, easy spaghetti sauce