This easy homemade spaghetti sauce is a flavorful family favorite that uses pantry staples and is ready in under in an hour. Double the recipe for dinner tonight and then freeze some for meal prep!
This recipe is one of my favorite Italian sauces to make, as well as Alfredo, spaghetti bolognese and marinara.
Table of Contents
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
There’s just something about making a flavorful sauce from scratch that tastes way better than any jarred sauce you get from the grocery. This is my favorite homemade spaghetti sauce. My kids claim it’s the BEST spaghetti sauce ever and bonus it’s the easiest, too!
It only takes about 10 minutes to prep, then it simmers to develop flavor and is ready in under an hour. If you don’t have whole tomatoes and just want to doctor up a jar of spaghetti sauce, you can always try this easy spaghetti recipe.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe below.
- Olive oil
- Onion and garlic
- Lean ground beef: Substitute for turkey or pork (or do half and half).
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning, oregano, Kosher salt, pepper and red pepper flakes
- Whole tomatoes: I prefer San Marzano
- Balsamic vinegar: Substitute worchestire sauce if needed.
- Light brown sugar
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce
- Brown meat and saute onion: Cook the onions in a large skillet over medium heat until translucent. Add in garlic and cook for 1 more minute, then transfer the mixture to a bowl. Next, brown the meat. Remove any grease from the skillet, then pour the onion mixture back in.
- Simmer spaghetti sauce. Stir in the tomato paste and seasoning and cook for 1 minute. Then add in tomatoes and vinegar, breaking down the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer, then turn heat to low and cook for about 30 to 60 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add 1/2 to 1 cup pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve. Serve the sauce over cooked pasta with parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
Cooking Tips + Variations
- I love using the San Marzano whole tomatoes, they are the best. I found them at Trader Joe’s.
- You can also substitute about 10-12 fresh tomatoes, or 2 pounds.
- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can also use Worcestershire sauce or even soy sauce. Both will give a great depth of flavor.
- You can omit the brown sugar or substitute it for granulated sugar. However, I do recommend it as it adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps balance the acidity found in tomatoes.
- If you prefer your sauce less chunky, use 1/2 pound of meat or double the other ingredients.
- For even more flavor, add a combination of ground beef and ground sausage.
Can I Double this Recipe for Spaghetti Sauce?
Yes! As is this recipe serves about 4-6 people, I always like to double this recipe so we have leftovers for lunch the next day or if anyone wants an extra serving.
It’s easy to do! Simply double the ingredients and cook according to directions. The sauce is on the thicker side, so you could even double all ingredients except the hamburger (still use 1 pound) for more of a tomato sauce.
What to Serve with Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Chopped salad -perfect for any meal.
- Garlic bread -my kids favorite!
- Breadsticks -similar to ones you’d find in a restaurant.
- Green beans -a classic side dish for pasta.
- Parmesan broccoli -I could eat this with every meal.
- Garlic knots -they only take 20 minutes to make!
Storing and Freezing
- To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Let the sauce cool completely, then pour into a freezer bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then pour the sauce into a pan. Cook on the stove until warm.
Looking for more pasta sauce recipes? Try this white sauce recipe, pesto or pink sauce pasta!
More Recipes to Try
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion , more if desired
- 1 pound lean ground beef , can sub for turkey or pork (or do half and half)
- 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic , more if desired
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano , or 1 TB fresh
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , more if desired
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , more if desired
- Pinch red pepper flakes , optional
- 28 ounce can whole tomatoes , I prefer San Marzano
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar , or worchestire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- Pasta water , as needed
For serving: Cooked spaghetti, parmesan cheese, basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Add in the garlic and cook another minute. Then remove to a bowl. Next, brown the meat. Remove any extra grease and then add onions back in.
- Add in the tomato paste and seasoning. Stir and cook a minute. Then pour in tomatoes, vinegar and brown sugar. Add about 1/2 cup water to the can to reserve any extra tomato sauce. Break down the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and then turn to low until ready to serve. I like to let it simmer for about 30-60 minutes. The longer the better. Add 1/4-1/2 cup pasta water if desired to thin out.
- Serve over cooked pasta with parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, Beef, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly, Italian, Pasta, Reader Favorites
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Homemade is simple the best every time! Love how tasty this was!
We love this recipe! We make it every 2 weeks and use it the whole week in our different planned meals.
Love to hear this! Thanks for your comment, Terri :)
Love everything in this!! I love taking the time to make homemade sauce. It tastes so much better than store bought!
Homemade spaghetti sauce is the way to go! This has delicious, rich flavor & tastes like you’ve spent all day making it!