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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is a warm hug on a plate! Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor, it's the perfect pasta companion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:
  • 1 pound ground beef (or a combination of ½ pound ground Italian sausage and ½ pound ground beef for extra flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for a fresh finish)
  • Spaghetti noodles for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Brown the Meat - In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mix) along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Onions - Once the meat is fully browned, add the chopped onions to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions are translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Mix in the Tomato Products - Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the meat and onions are well incorporated with the tomato base.
  4. Step 4: Season Up - Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Give everything a good stir to blend the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Add Worcestershire Sauce and Sugar - Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and granulated sugar. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor of your homemade spaghetti sauce.
  6. Step 6: Add Water - Pour in 1 cup of water to loosen the sauce. This will help it simmer nicely and prevent it from becoming too thick. Stir everything together.
  7. Step 7: Let it Simmer - Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavors, consider allowing it to simmer for an hour or more.
  8. Step 8: Finish with Fresh Basil - If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in just before serving. This will add a bright, fresh note to your sauce.
  9. Step 9: Serve it Up - Cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and plate the pasta, then generously top with your homemade spaghetti sauce. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

  • For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
  • Use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a chunkier texture.
  • Let the sauce rest for a few hours or overnight for richer flavors.