Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This homemade spaghetti sauce is rich, flavorful, and easy to make from scratch. Combining sautéed aromatics, ground beef, and ripe tomatoes, it simmers to perfection with fresh basil and Parmesan for a comforting classic Italian taste.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 3 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 lb. (85% lean) ground beef
- 2 (28-oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 Parmesan rind
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced garlic, dried basil if using, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and light golden brown, about 7 minutes.
- Step 2: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat if needed, until the beef begins to brown, approximately 8 minutes. Season with an additional 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, crush the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices using your hands until small pieces form. Add the crushed tomatoes and Parmesan rind to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by about one-quarter and the raw tomato flavor has mellowed, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the Parmesan rind.
- Step 4: Stir in the fresh chopped basil, unsalted butter, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss to combine until the sauce is glossy and the butter is melted. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the tomatoes before simmering.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for a subtle spicy kick.
- If Parmesan rind isn’t available, a splash of grated Parmesan cheese at the end can add richness.
Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce without meat?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the seasoning slightly. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from tasting too acidic?
Simmering the sauce until it reduces helps mellow the acidity. Adding a small pinch of sugar or the butter at the end also balances the flavors nicely.
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe combines browned ground beef with sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich tomato base, simmered slowly to develop deep, comforting flavors perfect for any pasta dish.
Ingredients
Olive Oil and Aromatics
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Seasonings and Meat
- 3 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 lb. (85% lean) ground beef
Tomato Base
- 2 (28-oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 Parmesan rind
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced garlic, dried basil if using, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and lightly golden brown, about 7 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the saucepan. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat if needed, until the beef begins to brown, about 8 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: In a medium bowl, crush the whole peeled tomatoes and their juices with your hands until small pieces form. Add the crushed tomatoes and the Parmesan rind to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by about one-quarter and the raw tomato flavor has cooked out, roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the Parmesan rind.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, unsalted butter, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss the sauce well until it becomes glossy and the butter has fully melted, then serve.
Notes
- Using whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand results in a more rustic texture compared to using canned crushed tomatoes.
- The Parmesan rind adds a subtle umami flavor; remove it before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with any type of pasta or can be used as a base for other Italian dishes like lasagna or meatball subs.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add mushrooms or lentils as a hearty substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spaghetti sauce, homemade pasta sauce, Italian sauce, ground beef tomato sauce, easy spaghetti sauce, meat sauce
