Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, Italian sausage, etc.)
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes (for a thinner sauce, use tomato sauce; for a chunkier texture, use diced or stewed tomatoes)
- 1 can (10 oz) tomato paste + 2 cans of water
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 tbsp garlic, chopped or minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Olive Oil and Garlic:
- To the browned meat mixture, add 2 tbsp olive oil and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, stirring to prevent it from burning.
- Incorporate Flour:
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Let it cook for another minute. This step helps to slightly thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Add Tomato Paste and Water:
- Stir in the tomato paste and 2 cans of water (use the empty tomato paste can to measure). This creates a thicker, richer base for the sauce.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce/diced tomatoes if you prefer a thinner or chunkier sauce). Stir until everything is combined.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add in Italian seasoning, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed red pepper, and hot sauce if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust sugar based on your desired level of sweetness, as it balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Simmer for Flavor:
- Bring the sauce to a low simmer. You can eat it as soon as it’s heated through, but for the best flavor, let it simmer on low for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of water if it starts to get too thick.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the sauce has reached your desired flavor and thickness, serve it over your favorite pasta. This sauce also works wonderfully in lasagna, baked pasta, or as a topping for stuffed peppers!
Tips & Variations:
- For a Meatier Sauce: Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- For Added Depth: Add a splash of red wine before simmering, or toss in a Parmesan rind to the sauce while it cooks.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a veggie-packed sauce.
- Storage: This sauce freezes well! Make a double batch and freeze half for easy meals on busy nights.
This homemade sauce will make your pasta night even more satisfying—no need for jar sauce when you’ve got this simple, flavorful recipe!