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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Featured in Easy Family Meals.

This pasta sauce is a total keeper! Ready in 45 minutes and tastes like it simmered all day. The meat gets perfectly seasoned while the sauce turns rich and thick. Used fresh herbs when I had them. Makes enough to freeze half for later. Everyone asks if it's a family recipe. Perfect for busy nights when you want homemade taste.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:14:33 GMT
A close-up of a simmering tomato sauce in a pan, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pin it
A close-up of a simmering tomato sauce in a pan, garnished with fresh basil leaves. | lastminrecipes.com

When I first started making homemade spaghetti sauce I had no idea it would become such a staple in my kitchen! This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners and always brings smiles to the table. It's one of those simple recipes that just works every time whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this sauce so special is how versatile and reliable it is. It's perfect for those busy nights when you need something comforting and delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. My picky eaters always clean their plates when this sauce is on the menu and it's become our go-to comfort food.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: I use about a pound makes it nice and hearty.
  • Fresh Onion: One medium one diced up adds such great flavor.
  • Tomato Sauce: Two cups this is our base.
  • Tomato Paste: Just a couple tablespoons makes it rich and thick.
  • Seasonings: Oregano basil and garlic powder are my holy trinity.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: My secret ingredient for depth!
  • Sugar: Just a touch balances everything perfectly.
  • Water: To get that perfect consistency.

Let's Start Cooking

Getting That Base Started
First thing I do is get my ground beef and onions going in a big skillet. I love watching them brown together the smell is amazing! Sometimes I'll pulse them in the food processor after for a smoother sauce.
Building Those Flavors
Once everything's browned I add all my tomato goodness and seasonings. That Worcestershire sauce is my little secret it adds such depth you won't believe it!
The Magic of Simmering
Now comes the hardest part waiting! Let everything simmer together for at least 30 minutes. Trust me this is where the magic happens.
A simmering pot of rich tomato sauce with ground meat, garnished with fresh basil leaves, sits on a wooden surface. Pin it
A simmering pot of rich tomato sauce with ground meat, garnished with fresh basil leaves, sits on a wooden surface. | lastminrecipes.com

Understanding Your Sauces

People often ask me what makes spaghetti sauce different from marinara or pizza sauce. Think of marinara as spaghetti sauce's simpler cousin no meat just tomatoes and herbs. And pizza sauce? That's even more basic since it needs to play nice with all those toppings. But this spaghetti sauce? It's the star of the show!

Saving Some For Later

Here's a little meal prep secret: this sauce freezes beautifully! I like to make a big batch and freeze portions in freezer bags. They last for months and having homemade sauce ready to go is such a lifesaver on busy nights. Just remember to label them with the date!

My Best Tips

Let me share some tricks I've learned over the years making this sauce. If you want it extra smooth give those browned ingredients a quick pulse in the food processor. Keep tasting as you go seasonings are personal! And don't be afraid to add a splash more water if it gets too thick. Sometimes I'll let it simmer longer than 30 minutes the flavor just keeps getting better.

Ways to Serve

This sauce loves being paired with all kinds of pasta but don't stop there! I love adding a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and some torn basil on top. Sometimes I'll use it in lasagna or my famous spaghetti pie. And there's nothing better than some garlic bread on the side to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Mix It Up

One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Sometimes I'll throw in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms. Want it spicier? Try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. And for my vegetarian friends we just skip the meat and load up on extra veggies. It's delicious every way!

A close-up of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce and sprinkled with grated cheese in a black bowl. Pin it
A close-up of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce and sprinkled with grated cheese in a black bowl. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different meats?
Yes, you can use all ground beef or a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor. Both options work well in this recipe.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and serve over gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
→ Why add sugar to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can adjust or omit based on preference.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for several months.
→ What else can I use this sauce for?
This versatile sauce works great in spaghetti pie, lasagna, or any pasta dish. It can also be used in other Italian-inspired recipes.