Spaghetti Sauce from Scratch (No More Jar Sauce)

Say goodbye to store-bought jars and hello to rich, homemade flavor with this Quick and Flavorful Spaghetti Sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and from-scratch quality.

With a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and versatile ground meat, this sauce is hearty, comforting, and fully customizable to your taste.

Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti, layering it in lasagna, or pairing it with zoodles, this sauce is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Hearty Flavor: Packed with fresh vegetables, garlic, and herbs, this sauce delivers a robust taste that outshines store-bought jars.

Customizable Ingredients: Use ground beef, turkey, or sausage, and adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.

Easy and Quick to Make: Unlike traditional all-day sauces, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.

Versatile Usage: Whether for spaghetti, lasagna, or dipping garlic bread, this sauce adapts to many dishes.

Healthier Option: You control the ingredients, ensuring no hidden preservatives or excessive sugars.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Meat: Adds richness and protein; choose beef, turkey, or Italian sausage based on your preference.

Tomatoes: A blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and optional diced tomatoes creates a thick, flavorful base.

Aromatic Vegetables: Onion, bell pepper, and garlic provide a fragrant and savory foundation.

Seasonings and Herbs: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce add depth and spice.

Sweet and Tangy Balance: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while hot sauce gives a subtle kick.

Spaghetti Sauce from Scratch (No More Jar Sauce)

This recipe brings the rich, homemade flavor of a slow-cooked sauce to your table in a fraction of the time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this sauce is a versatile base for spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground meat: Choose ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage for your preferred flavor.

2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes: Opt for tomato sauce for a thinner texture or diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.

1 (10 oz) can tomato paste: Mix with 2 cans of water for a rich consistency.

2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and aids in sautéing.

1 large onion, diced: For a flavorful base.

1 bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and depth.

1-2 tbsp chopped garlic: Fresh garlic brings out robust flavors.

2 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the sauce.

1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

1-2 tbsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth.

1 tsp crushed red pepper: For a gentle heat (optional).

1 tsp hot sauce: Boosts the spice level (optional).

Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Instructions:

Sauté the Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (3-5 minutes).

Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Brown the Meat:

Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Build the Sauce:

Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Stir in tomato paste and 2 cans of water, mixing thoroughly.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:

Pour in crushed tomatoes and mix well.

Add Italian seasoning, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed red pepper, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for Depth:

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Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. For best results, let it simmer for 1 hour or more, stirring occasionally.

Serve and Enjoy:

Toss with your favorite cooked pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna or baked ziti.

Notes:

Meat Options: Ground beef adds classic richness, but you can use turkey for a lighter version or Italian sausage for added spice and flavor.

Tomato Variations: Crushed tomatoes give a smooth consistency, while diced or stewed tomatoes add texture. Adjust based on your preference.

Simmer for Depth: While the sauce is delicious after heating, allowing it to simmer for an hour or more deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce.

Seasoning Tweaks: Customize the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Add fresh basil or oregano at the end for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Thickening Tip: Adding flour helps thicken the sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Leftovers and Storage: This sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and store in portions for easy future meals.

Serve with Style: Pair with your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or meatball subs.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1 cup of sauce

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can use turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

The sauce will taste slightly different depending on the type of meat, but all options work well in this recipe.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

In fact, the flavors will deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two, making it even more delicious.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, you can. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and hot sauce.

For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add chili flakes.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

While this recipe uses meat, it can be easily adapted for vegetarians by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty, flavorful sauce.

You can also use plant-based meat alternatives.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

To thin it out, simply add more water or a little bit of broth until you reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best type of ground meat to use for this sauce?

Ground beef works best for a classic spaghetti sauce, but you can also use ground turkey for a leaner option or Italian sausage for added flavor.

Choose based on your preferred taste and texture!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Use about 6-8 medium ripe tomatoes, blanch and peel them, then chop or blend them to create your desired consistency.

You may need to adjust the seasoning and simmer time to match the flavor and thickness of canned tomatoes.

How long should I let the sauce simmer for the best flavor?

For the best taste, let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

This allows the flavors to meld together.

The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!

Can I make this sauce in advance and store it?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce is ready when it reaches a rich, thick consistency, and all the flavors have blended together.

Taste it throughout the cooking process and adjust seasonings as needed—salt, pepper, and sugar can be added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.