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.
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)
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
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics
- 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.
- Add Tomato Base
- 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.
- Simmer the Sauce
- 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.
- Season to Taste
- 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).
- Finish with Fresh Basil
- Stir in fresh basil leaves for a burst of brightness just before serving.
- Serve
- Toss the sauce with cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.