Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs. It simmers gently on the stovetop to develop rich, savory flavors perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta. The sauce is vegetarian, easy to prepare, and can be adapted with additional ingredients for variety.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up for about 1 minute.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add tomato components: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the tomato ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, black pepper, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all the seasonings.
- Add water and bay leaf: Pour in ½ cup of water and drop in the bay leaf. Stir everything once more to combine.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens and the flavors deepen.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. If using, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for added brightness right before serving.
- Serve: Spoon the homemade spaghetti sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta and enjoy!
Notes
- This sauce freezes well and can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
- For a meat sauce variation, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage during the sautéing step.
- Feel free to add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
