This homemade sauce is far superior to anything you can buy in a jar. It’s bursting with real tomato flavor, herbs, and garlic, and it’s incredibly versatile. You’ll love that it’s easy to make in large batches, perfect for freezing, and can be adapted to include meat, vegetables, or different spices. Best of all, it turns a simple pasta dinner into something truly special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Tomato paste
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Add red pepper flakes if desired.
Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meaty Version: Add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey to the sauce.
Vegetable Additions: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Chunky Style: Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a chunkier texture.
Storage/Reheating
Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring every 30–60 seconds until hot.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but they should be peeled and cooked down. Roma or plum tomatoes work best for making a thick, flavorful sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid, or add extra tomato paste to thicken it.
Is sugar necessary in spaghetti sauce?
Sugar is optional. It helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they’re very tart.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of red wine adds depth and richness. Add it after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce slightly before adding tomatoes.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This sauce scales well, and it’s great for meal prep or freezing in portions.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this sauce?
Classic spaghetti is always great, but it works well with any pasta—penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even stuffed pastas like ravioli.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes, though you may want to simmer it down further so it’s thicker and spreadable.
How do I make it smoother?
Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth, especially if you want a silky texture.
Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, the basic version is vegan. Just make sure any added extras like cheese or meat align with your dietary preferences.
How long should I simmer spaghetti sauce?
Simmering for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor, but you can go up to an hour or more for a deeper, richer taste.
Conclusion
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a timeless kitchen staple that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to your table. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this sauce is easy to make and even easier to love. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or cozy nights in, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, hearty, and versatile tomato-based sauce made from scratch with pantry staples like garlic, onions, crushed tomatoes, and herbs. Perfect for pasta, lasagna, meatballs, and more, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to customize and store.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes or 6 cups fresh crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve over cooked pasta or store for later use.
Notes
Simmer longer for a thicker, more developed flavor.Use fresh tomatoes for a brighter, fresher taste (peeled and crushed).Blend with an immersion blender for a smooth sauce.Double the recipe and freeze in portions for easy meal prep.Add a splash of red wine for richness before adding the tomatoes.
