Mom T's Spaghetti Sauce

Experience the heartwarming comfort of "Mom T's Spaghetti Sauce," a rich, slow-simmered masterpiece that brings homemade flavor to your table. This versatile recipe combines the sweetness of crushed tomatoes, the depth of tomato paste, and the brightness of aromatic spices like basil and oregano, elevated by a savory base of sautéed onions, garlic, and perfectly browned ground beef or Italian sausage (optional). A hint of sugar balances the acidity, while an optional pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. With just 15 minutes of prep and a leisurely 90-minute simmer, this sauce develops a bold, robust flavor perfect for pairing with tender spaghetti noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a finishing touch. Whether you're cooking for family, meal prepping, or impressing dinner guests, this classic spaghetti sauce recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage, optional)
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0 grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, and water. Stir to incorporate.

Step 6

Mix in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.

Step 9

Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2247.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2055.9

Total Fat 137.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 366.9mg	0%
Sodium 4675.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 79.9g
Protein 102.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 520.3mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 6664.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.0%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 22.9%