Here’s a classic, flavorful recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce—rich, hearty, and perfect for pasta, lasagna, or meatballs.
🍝 Classic Spaghetti Sauce
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes (optional, for thinner sauce)
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook 3–5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add Tomatoes & Seasonings
- Stir in crushed tomatoes (and tomato sauce/diced tomatoes if using).
- Add sugar, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine.
3️⃣ Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
4️⃣ Serve
- Pour over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and optionally grated Parmesan cheese.
💡 Tips
- For richer flavor, simmer sauce 1–2 hours, adding a splash of red wine or broth.
- You can blend the sauce for a smooth texture or leave it chunky.
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or mushrooms for a meaty version.
If you want, I can also give a quick 15-minute spaghetti sauce recipe that tastes homemade but is ready in no time. Do you want me to do that?
