Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
This homemade spaghetti sauce is a savory blend of pantry staples simmered to perfection. It’s a reliable, delicious recipe perfect for any night of the week.
With ground beef, herbs, and tomato richness, this sauce delivers comforting, classic Italian-American flavor ideal for pasta or baked dishes.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ground beef – Adds hearty texture and rich umami depth; can be blended with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Onion – Provides aromatic sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Tomato sauce – Forms the rich base of the sauce with smooth texture and mild tang.
Tomato paste – Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Italian seasoning – Delivers balanced herbaceous notes for a classic profile.
Dried parsley flakes – Adds freshness and rounds out the herbal flavor.
Garlic powder – Infuses savory, aromatic undertones throughout the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Offers optional heat to elevate the sauce’s complexity.
Worcestershire sauce – Brings umami depth and enhances meaty richness.
Granulated sugar – Balances acidity and rounds out the tomato flavor.
Fresh basil leaves (optional) – Adds bright, herbal freshness just before serving.
Simmering Up the Perfect Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Brown seasoned ground beef with chopped onion, then drain the excess grease. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings, including Worcestershire and sugar.
Add water to adjust the consistency, bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in fresh basil at the end for a vibrant finish. Serve over your favorite spaghetti noodles.
Tips for the Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
For a richer, more complex flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. Simmering longer enhances depth, and sugar is key to balancing acidity. Customize heat levels with red pepper flakes and consider adding a splash of red wine or a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth.
How to Store Leftover Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Cool sauce completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the ground meat or use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a large pot. Freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals later.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Traditional spaghetti noodles are ideal, but it also pairs well with penne, rigatoni, or baked pasta dishes.
Is fresh basil necessary?
Fresh basil is optional but recommended for added aroma and a bright, fresh flavor at the end.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves optional
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to preference
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage and 1/2 lb ground beef
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- spaghetti noodles for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonin
Instructions
- Lightly season the ground meat with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned meat along with the chopped onion until browned, breaking it apart with a meat chopper. Drain any excess grease.
- Incorporate the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar into the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly and bring it to a boil.
- Pour in the water, blend well, then lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, fold in the chopped fresh basil just before serving. Serve hot over prepared spaghetti noodles.