My Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe, packed with savory ground beef, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs, is about to become your go-to for family dinners! Whether served over a big bowl of pasta or used in your favorite Italian-inspired recipes, it always makes supper time special. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but you can have it ready in about an hour!
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5 Star Reader Comment
Made this for my picky family and it was a hit! Love the flavor and it was easy to make. Definitely adding to my dinner rotation.
Susan
Have you ever made a recipe so near and dear to your heart that it was hard to share? This sauce recipe is so beloved that everyone in my family calls it by its own name… Mama Sauce. As my boys have moved out of the house, they’re taken on making this sauce for their families. They tell me it feels like home. That statement is everything to me and proves this is a recipe worth sharing. I hope you’ll feel the same way my sons feel when they make this homemade sauce.
Why This Spaghetti Sauce Has Become A Family Tradition
- Rich, Full-Bodied Flavor: It’s hearty, comforting, and has a deep flavor that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.
- Comfort in Every Bite: My recipe has just the right blend of meaty texture and smooth tomato base, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Simple to Make, Yet Feels Special: This recipe comes together easily with just a handful of everyday ingredients, making it perfect for a homemade meal without the hassle.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients
- For the ground beef, use whatever fat-to-meat ratio you like. I use a 90/10 blend so I don’t have to drain off much of the fat.
- Build flavor with yellow onion and garlic.
- I use tomato paste, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and tomato sauce. For the best flavor, I use concentrated tomato paste in a tube, which can be found in the canned tomato section of the grocery store.
- You’ll need dried Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper to season.
What’s The Best Type Of Tomatoes To Use In This Recipe?
San Marzano tomatoes are the absolute best-canned tomato to use for this recipe. They are a variety of plum tomatoes that are sweet with less acidity. Most grocery stores carry canned crushed San Marzano tomatoes, which will be clearly labeled.
How To Make Spaghetti Sauce Like A Pro
- Brown the Beef: Set a large Dutch oven or heavy pot to medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes: Cook the tomato paste and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir.
- Simmer: Fill the empty 15-ounce tomato sauce can with water and stir into the sauce. Turn the heat to low and place the lid on the pot at a half-angle. Simmer the spaghetti sauce for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is thick.
- Serve: To serve, cook spaghetti or your favorite pasta, top with sauce, Parmesan cheese, and parsley or basil.
Donya’s Tips For Making The Best Spaghetti Sauce
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: even though this sauce is ready in about an hour, giving it time to develop those deep flavors is key, so keep it on a low simmer.
- Adjust to Your Taste: feel free to tweak the seasonings. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. For heat, add a few red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest difference is that spaghetti sauce contains meat, while marinara does not and tends to be used as a dipping sauce.
This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days; you can freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to portion it out into smaller containers for easy meal prep later on.
I’m all about saving food and leftovers as much as I can. Since tomato paste usually comes in cans, it is hard to save. I transfer it to an airtight container or even a Ziploc bag, which would keep in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray. Just transfer them to a plastic bag after freezing.
How To Serve Rich and Meaty Spaghetti Sauce
When I make a batch of this sauce, I stay true to the classics. I serve it with a big green salad with one of my homemade dressings and garlic bread. When I serve it for Sunday supper or when folks are coming over, I serve it with Antipasto Skewers, Stuffed Shells, Roasted Broccoli and Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip with fresh fruit for a great sweet finish.
Craving More? Try These Comfort Food Recipe
If you tried this Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste concentrate
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 28 ounce can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1-½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- To a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, set to medium-high heat, and add ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add tomato paste and garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Add in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir.
- Using the empty can of the 15-ounce tomato sauce, fill it with water. Pour into the sauce and stir. Turn heat to low, and place the lid on the pot at a half-angle. Simmer the spaghetti sauce for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is thick.
- To serve, cook spaghetti or your favorite pasta, top with sauce, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- This sauce is even better if simmered for 2 hours. It’s worth the wait if you have time. Add a ½ cup water and continue to cook for flavors to develop.
- This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days; you can freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to portion it out into smaller containers for easy meal prep later on.
Nutrition
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Go ahead…steal my menu. This year's feast is going to be amazing!
Yolanda Lloyd- Flemming
The aroma alone while the spaghetti sauce is simmering had my mouth watering and stomach growling. The end product was absolutely delicious! I served it with Caesar salad and garlic bread. My family was raving and going for seconds. Definitely will make again.
Thank you so much, Yolanda! I love how you served it and thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe. I am so happy that you are cooking withe me!
XO,
~Donya
Dawn
Making this now, smells great! I assume the sugar gets added with the other spices? Thank you for sharing, can’t wait ’til its done.
That’s aweseome, Dawn! Yep, that’s when you add it. I’m so glad you are here and cooking with me.
~Donya
Judy M
Easy to put together. Hardest part is the simmer time waiting to eat it. Delicious!
Thank you, Judy! You’ve made my day.
~Donya
CJ
Using bulk Italian sausage sounds better to me. Thoughts?
Go for it, CJ. Great idea and I know the sauce will be delicious.
~Donya