Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
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There’s something so comforting about a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want a hearty, flavorful meal without much fuss. The combination of ground beef, pork, and rich tomatoes creates a sauce that’s both satisfying and versatile. I love making this sauce for busy weeknights when all I want is a cozy dinner that brings everyone together. The aroma of onions, garlic, and herbs fills the kitchen, making it hard to wait until it’s ready. Whether it’s served over pasta or used in a baked dish, this spaghetti sauce always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Rich Flavor: This sauce is packed with a robust blend of ground beef, pork, and tomatoes, making every bite super flavorful.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up this recipe. It’s simple and straightforward.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The sauce gets even better the next day, so you can enjoy a delicious meal again with minimal effort.
- Family-Friendly: This is one of those dishes that everyone in the family will love, from picky eaters to those who appreciate a hearty meal.
- Versatile Use: Whether you’re topping spaghetti, filling lasagna, or making a meatball sub, this sauce works for so many dishes.
Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef
- Ground pork (or substitute with more beef or omit)
- Onions, diced
- Green pepper, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato puree
- Sugar
- Parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Basil
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Olive oil
How To Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Prep the Veggies: Dice the onions and green pepper, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef and ground pork until fully cooked.
- Add the Veggies: Stir in the olive oil, diced onions, and green pepper. Cook until the onions turn translucent.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, parsley, red pepper flakes, basil, marjoram, and oregano. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once done, serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Meat Options: If you prefer, you can use all ground beef instead of a mix of ground beef and pork. Alternatively, you can omit the pork entirely or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat altogether and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian sauce.
- Spice Level: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones. Use fresh parsley, basil, and oregano for a more vibrant flavor, adding them toward the end of the cooking time.
- Tomato Products: If you don’t have tomato puree, you can blend canned whole tomatoes until smooth or use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
What’s the best way to reheat the sauce?
To reheat the sauce, simply place it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You’ll need to peel and dice them first, then simmer them a bit longer to break them down. This will give you a fresher, lighter sauce, but it might require a bit more time to develop a rich flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Another option is to add a spoonful of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little water before adding) to help thicken it up.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
This versatile sauce works well with any type of pasta, from spaghetti and linguine to penne and rigatoni. It also makes a great base for lasagna or baked ziti.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Equipment
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork or sub for beef or omit
- 2 large onions diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 28 oz can tomato puree
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp parsley
- Dash of red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 ½ tsp marjoram
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the onions and green pepper.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
Cooking
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef and ground pork. Cook until browned, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Add the olive oil, diced onions, and green pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, parsley, red pepper flakes, basil, marjoram, and oregano to the pot. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Turn the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Serving
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
There’s just something about homemade spaghetti sauce that makes dinner feel extra special. Whether you’re serving it over your favorite pasta or saving it for a cozy meal later in the week, this recipe is one I always come back to. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
