This rich and hearty spaghetti sauce is made from scratch with wholesome ingredients, bringing the authentic taste of homemade Italian comfort food to your table. Perfect for family dinners or any time you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: Slow-simmered for an hour, this sauce is packed with layers of flavor.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with real, fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
- Versatile: Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well for meal prep.
- Family Favorite: A classic recipe loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 lb lean grass-fed ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (12 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté Ingredients: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: ~220 kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Include fresh basil or thyme for a fresh herb infusion.
- Wine-Infused: Replace 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce with dry red wine for deeper flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and makes the dish leaner.
2. Can I skip the sugar?
Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can omit it or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 pounds of peeled and diced fresh tomatoes as a substitute.
5. What type of pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Classic spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rigatoni are excellent options.
6. Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Stir in grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for extra flavor.
7. Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the ingredients first, then transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
9. How can I enhance the flavor of store-bought tomato sauce with this recipe?
Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and seasonings to the store-bought sauce and simmer for 30 minutes.
10. What other proteins can I use?
Ground pork, sausage, or a mix of meats like beef and veal can be used for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
This homemade spaghetti sauce is a delicious and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with wholesome ingredients and simmered to perfection, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over pasta, use it in lasagna, or freeze it for future meals. Try it today for a taste of classic Italian comfort!
Print
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Discover the perfect homemade spaghetti sauce recipe! Rich, flavorful, and easy to make for all your favorite Italian pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 lb lean grass-fed ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (12 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Ingredients: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Sauteing and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian