Better Than a Jar Spaghetti Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this "Better Than a Jar Spaghetti Sauce" recipe—a robust, homemade sauce that will outshine any store-bought version. Made with savory ground Italian sausage or beef, aromatic garlic and onion, and a medley of canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sauce, this dish boasts layers of rich, comforting flavor. Dried oregano and basil bring classic Italian tastes to life, while a touch of sugar balances acidity and red pepper flakes add optional heat. Simmered to perfection for a deep, hearty flavor, this versatile sauce is perfect over al dente pasta or as a base for lasagna and baked ziti. Ready in under an hour, it’s a must-try for anyone craving the authentic taste of homemade spaghetti sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (canned)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) to the pan and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly.
Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a low simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes).
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Serve immediately over cooked pasta of your choice, or use as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or other Italian-inspired dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
339 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.8 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 1078 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.2 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 15.3 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 743 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
