Homemade Pasta Spaghetti Sauce This Ain T No Prego
Transform your pasta night with this rich, flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce that puts store-bought jars to shame. Bursting with the vibrant essence of San Marzano crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a perfectly balanced blend of Italian herbs, this recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and simmers to perfection in under 40 minutes. Customize it with your favorite protein—ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage—or keep it vegetarian for a lighter option. A touch of granulated sugar smooths out the acidity, while optional crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick for spice lovers. Serve this hearty sauce over spaghetti, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a gourmet finish. Ideal for family dinners, this versatile sauce packs both comfort and character, making it your new go-to recipe for pasta perfection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (optional, can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese (freshly grated, for serving)
- 0.25 cups water (if sauce consistency needs adjustment)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, stirring often to prevent burning.
If using ground beef (or your chosen protein), add it to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, making sure the paste is well incorporated.
Add granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot loosely with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Serve hot over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2197 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.2 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.1 g | 310% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 458 mg | 153% | |
| Sodium | 4604 mg | 200% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.0 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.0 g | ||
| Protein | 132.7 g | 265% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1537 mg | 118% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 3531 mg | 75% | |
*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.
