If you have ever dreamed of creating a rich, comforting sauce that sings with fresh herbs and vibrant tomatoes, this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully balanced blend of aromatic onions, carrots for subtle sweetness, and perfectly seasoned crushed tomatoes, all simmered to perfection. This sauce delivers a luscious, authentic Italian flavor that will elevate any pasta night into a special occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen beginner, this recipe offers an approachable yet impressive way to bring classic Italian flavors straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing a well-defined role to the hearty flavor and luxurious texture of your sauce. From the olive oil that provides a smooth base, to the fresh basil that gives that unmistakable fragrant finish, every element works together to create a luscious, well-rounded sauce.
- ¼ cup olive oil: This is your rich, fruity foundation that gently cooks the vegetables and adds a silky texture.
- 1 yellow onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and savory depth when softened, building the backbone of flavor.
- ½ cup finely grated carrot: Provides subtle natural sweetness and helps balance acidity.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a warm, aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to awaken the palate without overwhelming.
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (1 large can): The star ingredient, its bright and tangy taste forms the heart of the sauce.
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can): Adds concentrated tomato richness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers a subtle background spice, enhancing complexity.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that introduces that wonderful earthy aroma.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Tames the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
- ½ cup torn fresh basil: Bright, fresh, and slightly sweet, this herb brings the sauce to life just before serving.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and finely grated carrot to the pot and cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the base flavor, as the natural sweetness from the onions and carrots begins to develop, creating a lovely foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spice
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook these for about one minute until they release their aromas. This short cooking time ensures the garlic does not burn but infuses the oil with its rich flavor, while the red pepper flakes introduce a gentle kick, making every spoonful exciting.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste along with the kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and granulated sugar. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined. The tomato paste thickens the sauce, while the sugar balances the acidity, and the oregano adds earthy depth, all crucial to bringing this recipe to life.
Step 4: Simmer Gently to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered or partially covered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering encourages the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld harmoniously. If it becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture every time.
Step 5: Final Touches with Fresh Basil
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are balanced to your liking, stir in the torn fresh basil leaves right at the end of cooking. The basil adds a fresh, bright note that lifts the entire sauce. From here, your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is ready to be proudly served!
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your dish on a flavorful note, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil over the spaghetti sauce. A few extra basil leaves can also make the presentation pop and add a refreshing herbal aroma that complements the tomato base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti, but don’t stop there. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to create a meal that feels both cozy and complete. The sauce’s vibrant taste can truly shine when accompanied by fresh, simple sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve your homemade sauce over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist. You can also use it as a base for baked dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers. Its versatility makes this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe a real kitchen MVP.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sauce stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it easy to prepare your sauce in advance and enjoy quick, flavorful meals throughout the week without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep the sauce longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion and label it with the date so you can keep track.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm it over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, and add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. This way, it will taste nearly as fresh and vibrant as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they require more prep like peeling and crushing. For the best flavor and convenience, canned crushed tomatoes are a great choice since they’re picked and prepared at peak ripeness.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this sauce is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just be careful about the sides or garnishes you add if you want to keep the meal fully plant-based.
How spicy is the sauce with red pepper flakes?
The â…› teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth but should not make the sauce noticeably spicy. You can always omit or adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Start by sautéing the onion, carrot, and garlic on the stove first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours for a deeply developed flavor.
Do I need to add sugar to the sauce?
The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the sauce’s overall harmony. If you prefer a slightly more tangy sauce, you can reduce or skip the sugar, but it’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is like giving yourself a small gift of delicious comfort and simplicity. Once you make it, you’ll quickly realize how much fresh, homemade sauce can transform your pasta dinners into joyful, memorable feasts. So grab your ingredients, warm up that stove, and enjoy every flavorful spoonful that this sauce brings to your table. You’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make tomato sauce perfect for pasta dishes. Combining fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, it simmers to a rich and savory sauce that brings authentic Italian taste to your kitchen. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this sauce yields a delicious base for any spaghetti or pasta meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- ½ cup finely grated carrot
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- â…› teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup torn fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and finely grated carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomato base and seasonings: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens. To prevent splattering, you may loosely cover the pot with a lid. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water to reach desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves just before serving to impart fresh herbal flavor.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender before adding fresh basil.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes amount to control spiciness.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes when possible to enhance flavor even further.
- Adding grated carrot balances acidity and adds natural sweetness.
