Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deep, robust taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
- Versatility: Perfect over any pasta and can be adapted with your preferred proteins or made vegetarian.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares well in advance and freezes beautifully for future meals.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ lbs 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 (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (12 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions, garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finalize: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or eggplant.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to increase heat.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh basil or thyme can be added for additional herbal notes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Place sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken are excellent alternatives.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate, thickening the consistency.
Is it necessary to add sugar?
A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or eggplant.
How long does the sauce last in the freezer?
Properly stored, the sauce can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What type of pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Spaghetti is traditional, but any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni works well.
How can I reduce the acidity without sugar?
Adding a small amount of baking soda can neutralize acidity. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Is fresh or canned tomatoes better?
Canned crushed tomatoes provide consistency and convenience, but fresh ripe tomatoes can be used when in season.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely, it’s versatile and can be used in lasagna, baked ziti, or as a base for pizza.
Conclusion
Crafting your own homemade spaghetti sauce is a rewarding endeavor that brings rich, customizable flavors to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a classic dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served over pasta, used in casseroles, or as a pizza base, this sauce offers versatility and deliciousness in every bite
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, hearty blend of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs. Simmered to perfection, this easy spaghetti sauce from scratch is perfect for pasta, lasagna, and more. Make a big batch and freeze for a quick and delicious meal anytime!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ lbs 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 (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (12 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions, garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened (about 10 minutes).
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finalize: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit ground beef and add zucchini, carrots, or eggplant.
- Thicker Sauce: Let it simmer uncovered for a thicker consistency.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
