Name: Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 teaspoon basil; 1 teaspoon parsley flakes; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons sugar; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 29 ounces tomato puree ((2 14.5-ounce cans))

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If you’ve ever tasted homemade spaghetti sauce, you know there’s simply no comparison to the store-bought varieties. This Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought) is a game-changer. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-simple to whip up in your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be on your way to a delicious pasta night that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive in and create a sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why It’s My Go-To

I love this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought) because it captures the essence of classic Italian flavors while being adaptable to suit your taste. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, and you can easily double or triple the recipe for meal prep. The best part? It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it both convenient and budget-friendly. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to reach for that jar of store-bought sauce again!

Gather These Ingredients

To create your own amazing spaghetti sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sugar
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
29 ounces tomato puree (2 14.5-ounce cans)

Appliances & Accessories

Before you get started, make sure you have the following items handy:

Large skillet or saucepan – for cooking the sauce.
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring.
Cutting board and knife – for chopping the onion and garlic.
Measuring spoons and cups – to ensure you get the quantities just right.

Directions: Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Herbs and Spices

Stir in the basil, parsley flakes, ground black pepper, oregano, and salt. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors of the herbs.

Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Sweeten the Sauce

Add the sugar to the sauce. This will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and create a rich, flavorful sauce. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, taste the sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or herbs to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is ready! Serve it over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness.

Customize for Your Needs

One of the best things about this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought) is how easily it can be customized. Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:

Add ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) for a heartier sauce.
Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes for a kick.
Throw in a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.

Notes on Ingredients

Using high-quality canned tomatoes will greatly enhance the flavor of your sauce. Look for brands that offer no added sugars or preservatives. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried if you have them on hand; just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs.

Prep Ahead & Store

This sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and store it for later. Here’s how:

Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Quick Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 2-3 pounds. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and use in place of canned tomatoes.

What pasta pairs best with this sauce?

This sauce is versatile and pairs well with any type of pasta—spaghetti, penne, or even zoodles for a low-carb option!

How can I thicken my spaghetti sauce?

If you find your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce itself is gluten-free. Just ensure that you serve it with gluten-free pasta if you need to avoid gluten.

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Bring It Home

Homemade spaghetti sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills your kitchen, bringing warmth and comfort to your home. Your family will love the rich flavors, and you’ll feel proud knowing you made it from scratch. Enjoy this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought) as a base for countless meals, and remember—good cooking is all about love and creativity. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!