Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This classic Italian spaghetti sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfect for comforting weeknight dinners. Made with a blend of herbs, tomatoes, and tender ground meat, it simmers slowly to develop deep, delicious flavors. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, ground turkey)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground meat, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and red wine into the saucepan. Mix well.
5. Step 5: Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
7. Step 7: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. For extra depth of flavor, let the sauce simmer for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Step 9: Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a lighter or different flavor profile.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add chopped mushrooms or lentils for texture.
• Simmering the sauce longer improves the richness and melds the flavors beautifully.
• If you don’t have red wine, substitute with beef broth or simply omit it.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate; simply reheat before serving.

What pasta pairs best with this sauce?

This sauce works well with any pasta, but traditional spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are popular choices. The sauce clings nicely to noodles with ridges or folds.

Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 150 reviews

A rich and hearty Italian Spaghetti Sauce made with ground meat, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant dried herbs. This sauce simmers slowly to develop deep flavors and pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta dishes.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, ground turkey)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground meat, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Tomatoes and Wine: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and red wine into the saucepan. Mix well.
5. Add Seasonings: Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Continue Simmering: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. For extra depth of flavor, let the sauce simmer for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
8. Cool and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve: Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.
• Red wine is optional but adds a richer flavor. You can substitute with beef broth or water if preferred.
• Simmering longer enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it partially or fully with an immersion blender before serving.

Keywords: Italian spaghetti sauce, meat sauce, marinara, pasta sauce, homemade tomato sauce