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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Author: Olivia Ross
This rich, comforting homemade spaghetti sauce uses only pantry staples and comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s thick, flavorful, and customizable, making it your new go-to red sauce for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 5 servings
Calories 303 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or mix with half Italian sausage for more depth
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup fresh basil optional, chopped
  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles cooked separately

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, stirring often.
  • Drain off any excess grease to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
  • Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine into a thick mixture.
  • Pour in the water and stir well. The sauce should be slightly loose before simmering.
  • Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Stir in chopped fresh basil right before serving, if using.
  • Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles. Optional: top with grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Pulse the cooked beef and onion in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
  • Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
  • Don't skip the sugar—it balances the acidity.
  • Adjust red pepper to control spice.
  • Freeze leftovers flat in bags for easy storage.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 814mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 885IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Homemade spaghetti sauce
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