This rich and hearty homemade spaghetti sauce brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen in just 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this velvety sauce combines lean protein with garden-fresh ingredients to create a nutritious family meal.
Each flavorful serving delivers 18g of protein while keeping carbs modest at 16g, making it an excellent choice for balanced eating. The best part? You’ll love how the aromatic blend of herbs and seasonings fills your home with an irresistible warmth.
Classic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients
- Ground Meat: 1 pound ground beef or mixed with Italian sausage for extra flavor
- Aromatics: Medium onion (chopped), garlic powder, and fresh basil leaves
- Tomato Base: 15 oz tomato sauce and 6 oz tomato paste for rich consistency
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes
- Flavor Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce and sugar to balance acidity
- Liquid: 1 cup water to achieve perfect sauce consistency
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown with chopped onions
- Drain: Remove excess grease for a healthier sauce
- Sauce Building: Add tomato sauce, paste, and all dry seasonings to the meat mixture
- Liquid Addition: Stir in water and bring to a gentle boil
- Simmering: Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavors
- Final Touch: Add fresh basil before serving for an aromatic finish
Variations and Substitutions
This sauce is super flexible! Try mixing ground Italian sausage with the beef for extra flavor – just use half a pound of each. Want to make it vegetarian? Replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
You can also add diced bell peppers or carrots with the onions for extra vegetables. If you prefer fresh garlic, swap the powder for 2-3 minced cloves. For a spicier kick, double the red pepper flakes!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This sauce gets even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just put it in freezer bags or containers.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up slowly on the stove. Making a big batch on the weekend means quick and tasty weeknight dinners!
Serving Ideas
Don’t limit this sauce to just regular spaghetti! It’s amazing in lasagna, baked ziti, or over ravioli. Try it with different pasta shapes – penne and rigatoni hold the sauce really well. For a lighter meal, serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese, some warm garlic bread, and a simple side salad to make it a complete meal. Your family will love it!
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ½ lb ground Italian sausage and ½ lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves optional
Instructions
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, add the beef and chopped onion and brown. Drain excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, worcestershire, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.
- Add water and stir well. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add chopped basil before serving, if desired.
