Spaghetti Sauce Aka Red Gravy
Rich, hearty, and bursting with classic Italian flavor, this Spaghetti Sauce—otherwise known as Red Gravy—will become your new go-to for pasta night. Simmered to perfection, this homemade sauce combines pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs with a splash of water or red wine for depth. The addition of freshly chopped parsley and basil takes it to the next level, while optional red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat for those who love a kick. With only 10 minutes of prep and a slow 90-minute simmer for robust flavor, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta of your choice. Whether served fresh or made ahead for meal prepping, this timeless recipe brings the comfort of authentic Italian cooking to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup water or red wine
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine.
Pour in the water or red wine and mix until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce about halfway through cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
Once the sauce has thickened and developed a rich flavor, stir in the fresh parsley and optional fresh basil.
Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The sauce can also be cooled and stored for later use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
663 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.9 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2541 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.1 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.6 g | ||
| Protein | 17.0 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 306 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 3756 mg | 80% | |
*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.
