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homemade spaghetti sauce simmering in stainless steel pot with fresh basil

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

150kcal
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 32 minutes
Total 47 minutes
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe is sure to turn any bowl of noodles into the most delicious and comforting Italian dinner. This pasta sauce is easy to make from scratch with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and the best herbs & spices.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots finely grated
  • 3 garlic minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
  • 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil torn

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • stove

Method

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium pot, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add in 1 chopped yellow onion and 1/2 cup finely grated carrots. Cook until softened, 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 28 ounces (1 large can) of crushed tomatoes, 6 ounces (1 small can) of tomato paste, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce thickens, you may want to put the lid on the pot to prevent splatters. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water.
  4. Stir in the Basil: Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil and serve.

Nutrition

Calories 150kcal | Carbohydrates 20g | Protein 4g | Fat 5g | Saturated Fat 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat 1g | Monounsaturated Fat 2g | Sodium 300mg | Potassium 400mg | Fiber 3g | Sugar 12g | Vitamin C 15mg | Calcium 2mg | Iron 4mg

Nutrition info is automatically calculated as an estimate — actual values may vary. Always check your ingredient labels for the most accurate results!

Notes

The flavor of this spaghetti sauce comes primarily from the oil and tomatoes, so use the best canned tomatoes that are available to you. The better the tomato product, the better the sauce!
This is a classic homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, but you can certainly make adjustments to suit your tastes. Try adding some sliced mushrooms, ground beef, or browned Italian sausage for a meatier sauce. Or add some roasted red bell peppers for a smoky flavor. For a pop of richness, stir in some red wine; or for a creamy sauce, stir in some heavy cream.
Store leftover homemade spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze homemade spaghetti sauce in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 6 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This sauce is also great to freeze in individual portions for easy access any time a craving strikes.
Serve this homemade spaghetti sauce over some homemade pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any type of pasta you like) with a side of garlic bread. Or use it for dipping with appetizers like mozzarella sticks, pizza pinwheels, or air fryer pizza rolls.

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