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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Learn how to make a rich and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch! This recipe is perfect for pasta nights and is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped (optional)
  • 1 pound cooked spaghetti for serving

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional for smoother sauce)

Method
 

  1. Sauté Aromatics
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  3. Add Tomato Base
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer the Sauce
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld together.
  7. Season to Taste
  8. Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Add salt and black pepper as needed. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender (optional).
  9. Finish with Fresh Basil
  10. Stir in fresh basil leaves for a burst of brightness just before serving.
  11. Serve
  12. Toss the sauce with cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.