Here’s a classic, versatile Spaghetti Sauce recipe—rich, savory, and perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a base for other Italian dishes:
🍝 Classic Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (≈450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup red wine for depth
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Steps
- Cook Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion 5–7 min until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 1 min until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat (Optional)
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomato Ingredients
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add sugar, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer
- If using, stir in red wine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer 20–30 min (longer if desired), stirring occasionally.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve
- Toss with cooked spaghetti or other pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan.
Tips
- For a richer sauce, simmer 1–2 hours on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Freeze leftover sauce in portions for easy future meals.
If you want, I can give a slow-cooker spaghetti sauce version that cooks all day and develops even deeper, richer flavors with minimal effort.
Do you want me to make that version?
