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There are a lot of spaghetti sauce recipes online — but this one exists because it’s the sauce I actually make and keep in rotation. After years of weeknight pasta dinners and trying just about every jarred option out there, I wanted a homemade spaghetti sauce that tasted familiar, reliable, and good enough that no one missed the store-bought version. This is that sauce.
It’s made with canned tomatoes for consistency and ease, simmers into a rich, classic flavor, and makes the exactamount you need to coat 1 lb of pasta. I’ve also included a simple option to swap in fresh tomatoes when they’re in season — without complicating the base recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Makes the perfect amount of sauce for 1 lb of pasta
- Uses canned tomatoes for dependable flavor year-round
- Tastes classic and familiar — not overly gourmet
- Easy to adapt with fresh tomatoes when available
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Salt
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Sugar (optional)
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Ground meat of choice. Beef, Sausage, Venison, etc
Equipment Needed
- Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven – Allows the sauce to simmer evenly without splattering.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for stirring without damaging cookware.
- Chef’s Knife – For finely dicing onion and mincing garlic.
- Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for prep work.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
A good spaghetti sauce starts before the tomatoes ever hit the pan. Slowly cooking the onion in olive oil builds a subtle sweetness that balances the natural acidity of tomatoes, especially when using canned. Garlic is added just long enough to become fragrant — not browned — which keeps the sauce mellow and rounded rather than sharp.
Using a combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce creates the ideal texture: thick enough to cling to pasta but still smooth and cohesive. As the sauce simmers, the dried herbs rehydrate and release their flavor, transforming simple pantry ingredients into a sauce that tastes far more developed than the short cook time suggests.
The key is a gentle, uncovered simmer. This allows excess moisture to evaporate while the flavors concentrate. Always taste near the end and adjust seasoning — canned tomatoes vary, and that final tweak is what makes the sauce taste finished.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
This classic homemade spaghetti sauce is made with canned tomatoes for reliable flavor and the perfect amount to coat 1 lb of pasta. It’s simple, family-friendly, and easy to adapt with fresh tomatoes when available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Enough for 1 lb pasta
- Category: Sauces
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 leaves freshly chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lb ground beef (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, basil, oregano, sugar (if using), pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If using ground beef, brown that now and add into your prepared spaghetti sauce.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Notes
Fresh Tomato Option:
To use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, replace the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce with 3 lb ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and blended or finely chopped. Increase simmer time by 15–20 minutes to allow excess liquid to cook off and flavors to concentrate.
Storage
-
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
-
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
Tips for Success
- Cook the onions slowly to develop natural sweetness
- Keep the simmer gentle to avoid scorching
- Adjust salt at the end — tomato brands vary
- A small pinch of sugar balances acidity without sweetening the sauce
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage for a meat sauce
- Stir in a splash of cream for a pink sauce
- Use as a base for baked ziti
- Freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals
- Use in Homemade Lasagna
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage for a meat sauce
- Stir in a splash of cream for a pink sauce
- Use as a base for lasagna or baked ziti
- Freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sauce cover a full pound of pasta?
Yes. This recipe is intentionally sized to evenly coat 1 lb of cooked pasta without being dry or overly saucy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes. You can substitute about 3 lb of peeled, seeded fresh tomatoes. Blend or finely chop them and extend the simmer time by 15–20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
Is this sauce acidic?
The slow-cooked onions and optional pinch of sugar help balance acidity. Taste and adjust as needed.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Absolutely. This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This homemade spaghetti sauce is meant to be dependable — the kind of recipe you make once and then keep coming back to. It’s not flashy, but it’s flavorful, flexible, and built for real family dinners. Whether you’re cooking pasta on a busy weeknight or stocking the freezer, this is a sauce that earns its place in your kitchen.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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