Hearty Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce
Dive into the comforting flavors of this Hearty Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce, a rich and robust recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. Made with a harmonious blend of juicy crushed tomatoes, ground beef or Italian sausage, and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, this sauce simmers to perfection to create a depth of flavor that can’t be rushed. The addition of minced garlic, diced onions, and a splash of beef broth ensures a luscious, well-rounded texture, while a sprinkle of sugar balances the tangy tomatoes beautifully. Customize with a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with al dente pasta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a timeless Italian feast your whole family will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, mixing them well to combine.
Pour in the beef broth and stir to achieve a smooth consistency.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, sugar, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the sauce simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve the sauce hot over your favorite cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1658 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.2 g | 144% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.0 g | 185% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 301 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 4129 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.7 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.3 g | 87% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.5 g | ||
| Protein | 93.9 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 449 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 4436 mg | 94% | |
*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.
