Big Batch Spaghetti Sauce
Transform your weeknight pasta game with this hearty and flavor-packed Big Batch Spaghetti Sauce, perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, and a rich medley of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, this homemade spaghetti sauce is simmered low and slow for ultimate depth of flavor. Seasoned with a robust mix of dried herbs and a hint of sweetness, this versatile sauce comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of Italian cuisine. Ideal for pairing with classic spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti, this recipe makes enough to serve 12—and freezes beautifully for easy leftovers. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this spaghetti sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (canned)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, sauté the diced onions until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Mix in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape.
Simmer the sauce for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer the sauce simmers, the more developed the flavors will be.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar based on your preference.
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish the sauce with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. This sauce can also be used for lasagna, baked ziti, or other Italian dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4375 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 312.7 g | 401% | |
| Saturated Fat | 106.9 g | 535% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 932 mg | 311% | |
| Sodium | 12305 mg | 535% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 183.8 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.0 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 108.5 g | ||
| Protein | 253.6 g | 507% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 821 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 45.1 mg | 251% | |
| Potassium | 9396 mg | 200% | |
*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.
