Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a classic recipe that can bring the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This sauce is rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for yourself or hosting a gathering, this sauce is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own spaghetti sauce is easy and rewarding. You control the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and make it just how you like. Plus, the smell of simmering sauce fills your home with warmth and comfort. Making it at home is also budget-friendly compared to store-bought options.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes.
- Taste and add more salt or black pepper if needed. Serve with your favorite spaghetti or meatballs and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Serve the homemade spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta. Add meatballs for a traditional touch, or serve it with garlic bread on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra flavor!
How to Store Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
You can store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Use fresh herbs, if possible, for more vibrant flavors.
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Let the sauce simmer longer for a deeper flavor.
Variation
You can customize this sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based ground meat for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them, then chop and add them to the sauce.
2. Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The sauce freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
3. How long does the sauce take to make?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 40-50 minutes making this sauce.
