Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Transform your pasta nights with this Easy Spaghetti Sauce—a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings classic Italian-inspired comfort to your table in just 40 minutes. Made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs, this versatile sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse the sauce with rich, savory depth, while optional ground beef adds hearty protein for a meat sauce variation. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes offers a subtle kick for those who love a little heat. Serve this easy-to-make spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and don’t forget to top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe makes enough to satisfy four hungry appetites and can be customized to suit your preferences!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 pound ground beef (optional for a meat sauce)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often to prevent burning.
If using ground beef, add it to the saucepan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
281 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.6 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 782 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 713 mg | 15% | |
*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.
