Luscious DIY Rich Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Cooking a perfect homemade spaghetti sauce bursts with authentic Italian homemade spaghetti sauce flavors that dance on your palate.

Generations of passionate cooks have perfected this classic recipe through decades of kitchen experiments.

Ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and slow-simmered seasonings create a sauce that transforms simple pasta into a remarkable meal.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character to the robust blend.

The secret lies in allowing flavors to meld and develop depth over gentle heat.

Fresh basil and a touch of red wine elevate this sauce from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible sauce that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 6

Spaghetti Sauce Ingredient Rundown

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich foundation for sautéing and adds depth to the sauce's flavor profile.
• Onion: Brings a sweet, mellow undertone and creates a robust aromatic base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, bold flavor that enhances the overall taste and complexity of the sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a thick, hearty texture and delivers a bright, tangy tomato essence.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunky texture and fresh tomato bits for visual appeal and authentic taste.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce with deep, rich notes.

• Dried Oregano: Provides an earthy, slightly bitter Mediterranean herb flavor that's classic in Italian sauces.
• Dried Basil: Offers a sweet, peppery undertone that complements the tomato base beautifully.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and softens the sauce's sharp edges.
• Salt: Elevates and highlights all other flavors in the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and mild heat to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish and vibrant green color to the final dish.

Tools That Help With Simmering and Stirring

• Large Saucepan: Robust pot for cooking sauce, big enough to hold all ingredients comfortably.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for chopping onions and parsley with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.
• Can Opener: Needed to open tomato cans if using canned tomatoes.

Cook Up a Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

• Create Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a roomy pot over gentle heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan and let it release its aromatic for a quick minute.

• Build Sauce Layers

Pour in crushed tomatoes with bold enthusiasm. Blend dried herbs generously, letting their essence infuse the mixture. Sprinkle a touch of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ natural tang. Allow the sauce to bubble gently, developing rich depth for about half an hour.

• Refine and Perfect

Sample your creation, listening to what the sauce whispers it needs. Maybe a pinch of red pepper will spark excitement, or an extra herb might elevate the flavor profile. Let your taste buds guide the final touches.

• Transform into Culinary Masterpiece

Once the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency, pull it from the heat. Scatter fresh parsley across the top for a vibrant finish. Lovingly ladle over steaming pasta and savor your homemade delicacy.

Tips to Deepen the Tomato-Rich Flavor

• Add a Parmesan rind while simmering to deepen the sauce's umami and create a richer taste profile.
• Sneak in finely chopped carrots or zucchini during the onion sautéing stage for extra nutrition and subtle sweetness.
• This sauce freezes brilliantly for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for quick weeknight meal prep.
• Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that keeps all the delicious sauce flavor.
• Brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey before adding onions to transform this into a hearty meat sauce perfect for those wanting extra protein.

Serve Over Pasta or in Lasagna

• Pasta Perfection Pairing: Serve over al dente spaghetti or linguine for classic Italian comfort.
• Gourmet Garnish Delight: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves on top for added richness and aroma.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, meatballs, or sautéed shrimp to transform the sauce into a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
• Veggie Lovers' Dream: Mix in roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach to create a nutritious and colorful pasta dish that elevates the homemade sauce.

Save the Sauce for Midweek Meals

• Transfer cooled sauce to airtight glass containers, leaving some space at the top to prevent expansion during freezing.
• Store homemade sauce in sealed containers for 4-5 days, ensuring maximum flavor and quality when refrigerated.
• Divide sauce into meal-sized portions, cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tomatoes for this sauce?

Yes, canned tomatoes work perfectly. Use a combination of crushed and diced tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.

• How long can I store the homemade sauce?

The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3-4 months in an airtight container. Cool completely before storing.

• Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?

Sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

• Can I make this sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely! This sauce is naturally vegetarian. Just ensure all ingredients are plant-based and you’re good to go.

Rich Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic homemade spaghetti sauce from Italy brings robust flavors straight to kitchen tables. Simmered tomatoes, herbs, and garlic combine into a rich, comforting meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat, gently cooking diced onions until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Aromatic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the onions, stirring carefully to release its rich essence without scorching, which will enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity.
3. Tomato Transformation: Incorporate crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste into the aromatic mixture, blending them thoroughly to create a robust and vibrant sauce foundation.
4. Seasoning Symphony: Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper into the sauce, stirring meticulously to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
5. Flavor Development: Reduce heat to a low simmer, allowing the sauce to gradually meld and intensify its taste profile, occasionally stirring to prevent adherence to the pot and maintain consistent flavor integration.
6. Final Refinement: After approximately 30 minutes of simmering, taste and adjust seasonings, potentially adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or extra sugar to balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity.
7. Culinary Completion: Remove the sauce from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve generously over your preferred pasta, presenting a deeply satisfying and authentic homemade sauce.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Garlic: Sauté garlic briefly on low heat to release flavor without turning bitter or scorched, which can ruin the entire sauce’s taste.
• Balance Tomato Acidity: Add a pinch of sugar to neutralize the sharp tomato tang, creating a smoother, more rounded sauce flavor profile.
• Develop Deeper Flavor: Allow sauce to simmer slowly, which helps ingredients meld together and intensifies the overall taste complexity.
• Customize Spice Levels: Experiment with red pepper flakes or additional herbs to personalize the sauce’s heat and aromatic characteristics without overwhelming the base recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg