Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This rich and flavorful Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is the kind of comfort food everyone loves hearty, easy to make, and full of classic Italian flavor. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, perfectly seasoned meat, and a slow-simmered tomato base that’s perfect over pasta or in your favorite baked dishes.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ½ lb ground Italian sausage + ½ lb ground beef)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for serving)
• Spaghetti noodles, for serving

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat:
   Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef and chopped onion together until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
3. Add Water and Simmer:
   Pour in the water and stir to blend. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Finish and Serve:
   Stir in fresh basil just before serving, if desired. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti noodles or use in your favorite Italian-inspired dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and hearty flavor: A balance of herbs, spice, and sweetness for the perfect homemade taste.
• Simple ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
• Versatile: Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, baked pasta, or even pizza sauce.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

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Tips

• Use quality tomatoes: High-quality tomato sauce and paste make a big difference in flavor.
• Simmer longer for deeper flavor: While 30 minutes is great, simmering for up to an hour intensifies the richness.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on how acidic your tomatoes are.
• Deglaze for extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine after browning the meat for a richer sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and sauté extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Chunky style: Add diced tomatoes for more texture.
• Herb upgrade: Fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary can boost the flavor profile.
• Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a smooth, silky sauce.

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FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.

Can I freeze spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What if the sauce is too thick?
Add a little more water or broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — in fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve your homemade spaghetti sauce over:

• Classic spaghetti noodles or angel hair pasta
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option
• Use it in Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, or Instant Pot Spaghetti

Finish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a slice of warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. 🍝