Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to master a truly comforting and flavorful sauce that instantly transports you to an Italian kitchen, this Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, rich blend of tomatoes, herbs, and tender ground meat, simmered slowly to bring out deep, layered flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this classic sauce is the perfect base for your pasta night and a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a distinct role in building the hearty texture, vibrant color, and authentic taste of your sauce. From the sweetness of tomatoes to the aromatic herbs and spices, every item is a building block for deliciousness.

• Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
• Large onion, chopped: Creates a savory sweet base when caramelized gently.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Brings pungent warmth and classic Italian aroma.
• Ground beef (or pork, turkey): Adds heartiness and protein, making the sauce satisfyingly robust.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The vibrant, chunky foundation that gives your sauce that irresistible red color and fresh tomato flavor.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence, deepening the sauce’s richness.
• Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Smooths out the texture and balances the tomato intensity.
• Dried basil: Offers a sweet, slightly peppery herbal note essential to Italian cooking.
• Dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy aroma that complements the other herbs perfectly.
• Dried thyme: Adds a subtle minty, lemony hint for complexity.
• Dried rosemary: Contributes a pine-like fragrance, which cuts through the richness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a spicy kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• Sugar: Balances acidity from tomatoes and enhances overall flavor harmony.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten flavors.
• Red wine (optional): Provides depth and a subtle fruity undertone that elevates the sauce.
• Fresh basil leaves: For garnish and a fresh, fragrant finish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A final touch of savory umami to crown the dish.

How to Make Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing Aromatics

Start by gently heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This slow sauté releases sweetness and lays the aromatic foundation your sauce needs.

Step 2: Adding Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook it for just a minute or so until fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly and releases its unmistakable aroma, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 3: Browning the Meat

Turn up the heat to medium-high, add your ground meat, and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cooking the meat until nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, builds rich, savory flavor while keeping a pleasant texture. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.

Step 4: Combining Tomato Components

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and if you like, the splash of red wine. The wine adds a subtle fruity depth that elevates your Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe to something truly special. Mix everything until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Adding the Herbs and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, optional red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These herbs give your sauce that unmistakable Italian flavor profile, while sugar balances the acidity perfectly.

Step 6: Simmering the Sauce

Bring your sauce mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer slowly for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer allows flavors to meld and intensify beautifully.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

After simmering, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you have the time, letting it simmer an additional 30 minutes to an hour will deepen the flavors even more, making this Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 8: Cooling and Garnishing

Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves on top and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese—these finishing touches bring brightness and a lovely fresh aroma.

Step 9: Serving

Pour this luscious sauce over your favorite cooked spaghetti or any pasta you prefer. The warmth, vibrant flavors, and hearty texture make every twirl of pasta a joyous experience.

How to Serve Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan are classic garnishes that never fail to enhance your Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. The freshly torn basil adds herbal brightness, while Parmesan melts into little pockets of savory goodness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Consider serving your spaghetti sauce alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some warm, crusty garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up all that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables also make a great hearty side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the sauce in a baked pasta casserole or stuffed peppers. You can also transform it into a base for meatball subs or ladle it over polenta for a comforting, rustic meal. The possibilities with this Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

This Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can keep well frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems too thick after thawing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and consider adding finely chopped mushrooms or lentils for texture. You can also increase the herbs and garlic to boost the flavor.

What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

Traditional spaghetti is a beautiful match, but this sauce pairs well with many types, including fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. The thick sauce clings to most pasta shapes wonderfully.

Is red wine necessary in the sauce?

While red wine adds a lovely depth, it’s completely optional. You can substitute with extra tomato sauce or broth, and the sauce will still be delicious.

How long can I simmer the sauce for best flavor?

Simmering for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld nicely, but extending to 1 or even 2 hours on very low heat can deepen the taste even further. Just be sure to stir occasionally and add liquid if it gets too thick.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, adding them towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a beloved staple that brings warmth and joy to the table with every spoonful. It’s approachable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, homemade pasta sauce. Give it a try soon, and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy dinners and happy gatherings.

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