Spaghetti night is a cherished tradition in many households, bringing everyone together around a comforting plate of pasta. This homemade spaghetti sauce is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a little simmering, you can create a sauce that transforms ordinary noodles into an extraordinary meal. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy solo night in, this recipe will become your go-to for a classic Italian experience right at home.
Steps
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook the beef with chopped onion until browned, then drain any excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly and bring it to a boil.
- Pour in water and mix well. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If desired, add chopped basil just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper)
- Chopped onion
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- Sugar
- Water
- Chopped basil (optional for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 814mg | Potassium: 948mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 885IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- What is the difference between spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, and pizza sauce?
- Spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, and pizza sauce are all tomato-based but differ in preparation and use. Marinara sauce is a slow-simmered, meatless blend of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, often referred to simply as pasta sauce. Spaghetti sauce is any sauce served over spaghetti, typically a more robust marinara with added spices, meat, or vegetables. Pizza sauce, on the other hand, is usually uncooked, simple, and designed to be cooked on the pizza itself.
- Can I make homemade spaghetti sauce in advance?
- Yes, homemade spaghetti sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. For freezing, let the sauce cool completely, place it in a labeled gallon freezer bag, and freeze it flat for easy storage. It can be stored frozen for up to 4-6 months.
- How do I reheat frozen spaghetti sauce?
- To reheat frozen spaghetti sauce, place the frozen block in a pot and warm it on the stove over medium heat until it’s heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Can I adapt this spaghetti sauce recipe to be gluten-free?
- Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with homemade spaghetti sauce?
- Some great side dishes to complement homemade spaghetti sauce include Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks, Tomato Cucumber Salad, and a Classic Wedge Salad.
Tips
- For a smoother sauce, consider using a food processor to finely crumble the browned beef, ensuring a more even texture throughout the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for more than 30 minutes if possible; the extended cooking time enhances the depth and blend of flavors, making the sauce even more delicious.
- When preparing the sauce for future use, let it cool completely before freezing. Store it in a labeled gallon freezer bag flattened out for easier storage and faster thawing.
- For those requiring gluten-free options, swap in gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and spaghetti noodles to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Equipment
- Food Processor – For finely chopping the browned beef.
- Large Skillet – For browning the beef and cooking the sauce.
