Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a classic and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy into your kitchen. This hearty sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own spaghetti sauce at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. It’s a budget-friendly option that tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought sauces. Plus, the aroma of simmering sauce will fill your home with warmth and coziness.

How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ lb lean ground beef

1 medium onion (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 green pepper (chopped)

1 cup mushrooms (sliced)

1 bay leaf

¼ tsp oregano

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 can crushed tomatoes (28oz can)

1 tomato sauce (12oz can)

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Add extra virgin olive oil to a large pot. Add ground beef, onions, garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning.

Reduce heat to low. Cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve with cooked spaghetti noodles or your favorite cooked pasta. Top with fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Serve the homemade spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles or any pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Use a mix of ground beef and ground Italian sausage for added flavor.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference by adding more herbs or spices.

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use diced vegetables like zucchini and carrots as a substitute.

Variation

For a chunkier sauce, add diced tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes to the sauce while simmering. You can also incorporate red wine for a richer flavor profile.