Description
Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Bliss, a classic Italian-American recipe featuring tender ground beef or Italian sausage simmered in a robust tomato base with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for pasta nights, this sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a hearty, flavorful experience that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Combine tomato ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water or beef broth until fully combined, creating the sauce base.
- Season the sauce: Add granulated sugar, dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Finish with fresh parsley: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, extend simmering time up to 1 1/2 hours, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months, making it convenient for meal prep.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils.
