Description
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is the perfect base for your favorite pasta dishes. Made with simple, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is rich, savory, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making spaghetti, lasagna, or just need a topping for your pizza, this easy-to-make sauce will elevate any dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes, blended)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In a large saucepan or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomatoes:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or blended whole tomatoes) and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Season the sauce:
- Add sugar (if using), oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Adjust and finish:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or extra tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, or use it as a topping for pizza or baked dishes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a chunkier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
- Feel free to add cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables to make a meatier or veggie-packed version of this sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Homemade spaghetti sauce, pasta sauce, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy spaghetti sauce, homemade marinara