Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Rich with tomatoes and herbs, this classic Italian recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce may become a family tradition in your home. A pot of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove will have everyone coming to the kitchen to see what’s cooking.
What’s more delicious than a big bowl of spaghetti smothered in hearty red tomato sauce? If you asked my dad, he would probably say he couldn’t think of anything he likes better. Whenever my mom asks him what sounds good for dinner, his first and immediate reply is “Spaghetti!” My grandma always made her famous spaghetti sauce (with her secret recipe) for his very best birthday dinner.
Homemade spaghetti sauce is surprisingly uncomplicated and easy to make. Lots of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs comprise the ingredient list. You may have everything you need right in your pantry. In no time, you can be simmering this delectable and classic sauce in a pot on your stove. The only attention it requires is a stir now and then.
My only question is: What are you waiting for? Open a bottle of Pinot Noir or another medium bodied red wine and raise a toast to the cook!
About this homemade spaghetti sauce
I use four different forms of canned tomatoes to make this homemade spaghetti sauce: tomato paste, crushed tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice.
Although homemade spaghetti sauce requires a nice long simmer on the stove, most of that time is hands-off. You could also use a slow cooker to simmer the spaghetti sauce on low for 8 hours.
Why bother making homemade when you can buy a jar of sauce at the grocery store? Once you taste this sauce, you’ll know the answer to that question! Anything that’s freshly made beats canned by a long shot. Plus you can be confident in knowing that the sauce you make is preservative and additive free, and made with love.
Listen for the “Grazie” (thank you!) that’s sure to come your way. The correct response to that is “Prego!”(meaning: you’re welcome!).
How do you make homemade spaghetti sauce?
It’s simple! Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce and heat it up for a minute or so, then add the tomatoes.
Add the dried spices: oregano, thyme, bay leaf, a tablespoon of sugar, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well and simmer for at least one hour, but up to three hours. Just before serving, remove the bay leaf, and stir in a little butter, and some fresh basil and parsley.
Serve over your favorite pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Buon appetito!
How to make this spaghetti sauce your own
- If you have a garden full of tomatoes, that’s wonderful! You can easily substitute peeled fresh tomatoes for the crushed and diced tomatoes. Roma tomatoes or another meaty variety work best. You’ll need about four pounds.
- Add more veggies: Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can be added. Sauté them with the onions. Or stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach right before serving.
- I like to serve this sauce with homemade baked turkey meatballs. If you would like to make a spaghetti sauce with meat, sauté ground beef or turkey, or Italian sausage with the onions, and then continue the recipe as directed.
- If you happen to have a rind of Parmesan cheese, put that in the sauce as it simmers to enhance the flavor.
- Make this sauce vegan or Whole30 simply by omitting the butter and sugar.
- Don’t have any fresh herbs? Simply add a tablespoon of dried basil and parsley instead.
- If you prefer a sauce made without tomatoes, maybe this isn’t the recipe for you. Try this creamy chicken spaghetti or chicken Marsala pasta.
FAQ
There seems to be some debate about the difference between spaghetti sauce and marinara. Generally, marinara is a thinner sauce, made with tomatoes and seasoning, which isn’t simmered as long as spaghetti sauce, giving marinara a fresher flavor. Spaghetti sauce is similar, but usually includes additional ingredients such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, or meat, and has a longer cooking time and a heartier flavor.
Ultimately, I guess you could say that spaghetti sauce is any sauce that you put on spaghetti, right? The word “sauce” comes from the Italian word salsa, which means “a topping.”
Reheating and Storage Tips
Leftover spaghetti sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store in a resealable container. Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove when ready to serve.
Homemade spaghetti sauce is a meal preppers’ dream. You can make a big batch of this sauce when you have extra time and freeze it in freezer containers indefinitely. Preferably, you should allow time for it to thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Or, make a big batch of sauce on Saturday or Sunday, and plan meals around it for the rest of the week. It’s perfect for more than spaghetti and meatballs. Use it for this easy skillet lasagna, pizza stuffed spaghetti squash, rustic polenta stack, or pizza quesadillas, or as a dipping sauce for air fryer mozzarella sticks or chicken strips.
Other pasta sauce recipes
Looking for more delicious ways to top your favorite pasta?
- Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce with or without meat (stovetop directions, too!)
- Turkey Bolognese — with ground turkey and turkey Italian sausage
- Fresh tomato cream sauce with angel hair pasta
- Instant Pot Bolognese
- Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce
- Skinny Alfredo sauce made with cauliflower
- Vegan Bolognese — it has a meaty texture with quinoa and lentils
- Carrot pesto
- Lemon cream sauce with spinach
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Rich with tomatoes and herbs, this classic Italian recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce may become a family tradition in your home. A pot of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove will have everyone coming to the kitchen to see what's cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes and their juice
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and continue to cook, stirring, for one minute or until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it coats all the onions (about 1 minute).
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves.
- Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and simmer, partially covered, for at least an hour or up to three hours. Stir occasionally. Make sure the sauce isn't sticking to the bottom of the pan. Adjust heat if necessary.
- Carefully remove bay leaf and stir in butter, basil, and parsley until butter is melted.
- Taste, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Notes
- For a sauce with meat, add ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage. Brown in pan with onions before adding the garlic.
- Additional vegetables can be added such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 48Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 1g
RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.
98 Comments on “Homemade Spaghetti Sauce”
So tasty! It came out greatly to me.
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
I have been searching for a good spaghetti recipe for years. This recipe is amazing and its everything that I have been searching for. I have tried so many different recipes over the years, but I can now happily report my search is finally over. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so glad to hear this recipe was a hit! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!
This is a plate licking recipe. I would recommend it to everyone.
So glad to hear you feel that way! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it means a lot to me!
Have made this recipe 3x and it’s the best. My family loves it. It’s definitely a keeper! I give it a 5 plus rating.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m glad you like this recipe!
I am typing this as your Spaghetti sauce is simmering. I have tasted it numerous times and it is fantastic not only in smell but flavor. I think using 4 different kinds of canned tomatoes makes a difference!!!! I always add one grated zucchini and half a chopped pepper . This is a keeper and I am going to make this for my sons family as a surprise drop off dinner. Thank you for sharing!
Love the added veggies! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
This was wonderfully hearty! I made it with penne and then some home-made garlic bread as a side dish. My family loved it and it was the perfect warm dinner for how freezing this winter has been. Thanks so much for sharing! :)
Sounds like the perfect meal! I’m so glad you liked the sauce, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
My families gives this sauce 5 stars! Thank-you for sharing this recipe.
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
YOUR PASTA SAUCE RECIPE BRINGS CANCER DUE TO ALL CANNED TOMATOES AND SUGAR. YOU SHOULD USE FRESH TOMATOES. PLEASE STUDY NUTRITION.
Many people have had luck making this sauce with fresh tomatoes. If you read the comments, you’ll get some good tips!
Jessie, I love the passion you have for using whole foods but maybe bring the intensity with which you wield this passion down a notch cause your turning people off of a good message with your catastrophizing.
Made this today and lived it…after I doctored it. Seems the little old lady in me grabbed the salt container instead of the sugar container. Wondered why it was so salty thag I added additional sugar! Second mistake….then….I read the label..SALT! Took quite a bit of reseasoning with sugar and a cut of vinegar to rectify the old gals error. I will be using this recipe again…reading my labels as I go. LOL
Oh no! I’m glad you were able to salvage it!
Really great sauce. I liked it especially because it has the tomato sauce in it so It clings to the pasta. Many recipes just have tomatoes. Worth the effort
Thanks Lynda! I’m so glad you liked the recipe and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!
Amazing sauce! First time making my own (used to doctor up store-bought) and it paired beautifully with my husband’s grandmother’s Bracioli recipe.
So glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
I like to make a fresh sauce, and use fresh tomatoes to do it, This is because I need to lower and eliminate salt from my diet. If you notice on store-bought sauces, the salt content can be from 600-1000mg. Enough to kill a horse. You also need to watch out for any canned products, as salt and vacuum are the two preserving ingredients. Having said this, I do make my own much like this with meat. Then it becomes not only a spaghetti sauce, but an overall pasta sauce. You can also use this with lasagna and many other dishes. I never use no-boil lasagna noodles, and a good amount of sauce will soften and cook the noodles as you bake the lasagna. An all-around sauce.
Sounds wonderful!
Absolutely amazing sauce!!!! I made it today for my family and they raved about it too! (My preteen even wandered into the kitchen to ask what smelled so great!) I added vegan Italian sausage and used vegan butter as a substitute. I simmered the sauce about 3 hours. I plan to use this recipe again!
That’s so impressive, and I’m glad to hear it worked with the vegan substitutions! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Was so easy and much enjoyed sauce by my whole family. Put recipe on my desktop so I have it ready to go. Thank you
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Hello! First time using an online recipe- I wanted to make homemade spaghetti for my wife and oh man was it unbelievable. Just wanted to comment and say thank you. It will be THE spaghetti from now on. I added about 1/3 lb of ground turkey and mushrooms. I wonder if I should have chopped the basil and parsley up finer? Is it to be cut small? Sorry I’m learning! Cheers
Wow, I’m so glad to hear it was such a hit! How small you chop up your basil and parsley is totally up to you. I like it pretty small but bigger is fine too. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it means a lot to me!
First time I’ve made spaghetti sauce and my husband didn’t have to rescue it haha . This was very delicious.
I love it!! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
I used fresh garden tomatoes (my first real attempt at a garden.) They we’re so delicious and the recipe was absolutely wonderful. I was looking for a way to use my bountiful harvest and this recipe allowed me to do so in a very flavorful way. Thank you.
Oh I’m so glad! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Can I omit the butter?
For sure. It adds a richness and makes the texture really velvety, but it will be great without it too!
First time I made this I didn’t put in the butter because I was out, and it was amazing!
I can’t wait to make it with butter, but to anyone lurking the comments wondering, it doesn’t need it!
I agree, it’s definitely not necessary for tasty sauce, it just gives it that extra something something. :)
out of crushed tomatoes , what do I use Instead ?
You can used diced or peeled whole tomatoes, just pop them in the blender for a minute, or cook a little longer, crushing them against the sides of your pan.
This spaghetti sauce is SO delicious! We used spicy Italian sausage which gave it a tiny bit of a kick. This is the perfect meat sauce and was so easy to make. I’m glad it made so much so I can have leftovers all week long!!!
I’m so happy to hear you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. We like it with Italian sausage too!
How would you adjust this to cook in the Instant Pot? Thanks.
I haven’t made this in the instant pot, since so much flavor develops with the slower cooking on the stove. I’d cook for 8-10 minutes under high pressure after you saute things and add the tomato paste. Again, I haven’t tested it, so that’s only an educated guess. I’m sure it will work, but it might not have the same thick texture you get on the stove. Let me know if you try it!
Thinking about making this but need to get some ingredients. i was wondering, why only 2 tbs tomato paste? Do you think I can use the whole can and water down with wine or water?
I find that more than that makes the sauce too intense. I freeze leftover tomato paste in 2T portions since it’s such a common amount in recipes.
This sauce is amazing! I’ve always grabbed a jar of classico as it was the ‘easy’ way. this sauce was easy and delicious; even flavored up by the next day. this will now be my go to sauce as I triple and freeze. thanks for posting!
So glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
No I am trying to get the recipe
I hope you love it!
Wow! I made this tonight and I will never buy store bought sauce again! I added bell pepper and spinach and served it over zucchini noodles with baked Italian meatballs and it was amazing! My hubby went on and on about how good and filling it was! 5 stars for us ❤️
Wow, I’m so happy to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it means a lot to me!
Hi Rachel.
I’m 51 years old.
I love this recipe! As much as I agree that fresher can be better sometimes, I survived the 70’s, and do not live in fear of canned food. But- That’s why they make chocolate and vanilla, yes? I appreciate your kind demeanor with negativity.
I didn’t change a single thing while making this recipe, aside from trying the more expensive Turkish Bay Leafs. Very pungent, and excited to taste the results. I love that there’s no recommendation for salt and pepper, except “to taste” at the end.
Simmering now, with homemade meatballs.
Thank you!
Thank you so much, you’re so kind! Homemade meatballs sound delicious!
In fact, I do not usually cook but my husband. But thank to your recipe, I did make it very well, he said. thank you much, easy to follow!
Oh my goodness, that makes me so happy! I’m glad it was easy to make and you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
This is the most amazing spaghetti sauce. My husband will no longer let me used canned so beware! I omit the water as the sauce without it is perfect consistency for our liking.
Haha, that’s funny! I’m so glad you liked it, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
This is a really good recipe. I added a pound of hamburger and a couple roasted red peppers to add a little flavor. Ill be making this every time.
Love the addition of roasted red peppers! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
My Aunt made sp sauce to die for. She used fresh tomatoes, it had hamburger & cooked it in a double boiler all day & all night. Adding water to the bottom pot when it boiled away. Can that be done today too? I’ve been looking on line for a similar recipe. I never made it myself. I was a little girl when she made it while vistiing her. I never got the recipe. The entire house smelled heavenly!
I’m sure you could do that! Sounds delicious. :)
To make meat sauce, how much meat do I use for this recipe? Do I drain the meat and onions before adding the restbof the ingredients?
I would add about a pound of meat. If it’s super greasy, I’d drain it, but otherwise, don’t worry about it. I hope that helps!
Can you tell me how much meat to add to make this a meat sauce. Also, if I saute the meat with the onions, do i drain it before continuing?
Thanks
I would add about a pound of meat. If it’s super greasy, I’d drain it, but otherwise, don’t worry about it. I hope you love it!
This was delicious. I added hamburger and mushrooms and we loved it! Thanks!
So glad you liked it! I’m a big fan of mushrooms, too. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Hello Rachel My wife started working full time and I’m in my 50’s been cooked for my whole life except for grilling . So I’m doing most of the cooking during the week. WOW thank you for the Recipe it’s fantastic!!! Better than my moms lol Thank you so easy I could do it lol!
Wow, better than your moms?! I’m honored. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I hope your cooking journey is full of success!
It looks delicious. The way you do the tutorial is also quite simple. I think I can make this. I will try.
I hope you enjoy!
One of the best Spaghetti sauces recipes I’ve found. I cooked up ground beef and Italian sausage with the garlic and onion first, then added everything else.
So glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Can you guide me how many tomatoes to use if am using my garden tomatoes? I wanna avoid can food.
I haven’t made this with fresh tomatoes, so I can’t say for sure. It will take a quite a few, as they will cook down a lot. You will also probably want to peel them, depending on your preferences.
I’ll never use a jar of spaghetti sauce again! This recipe was easy and five star taste. I did add some Italian sausages and mushrooms. I may try a few splashes of red wine next time. Good excuse to enjoy a glass of wine with the spaghetti.
So glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
This recipe begins with a 24-page treatise, and halfway through asks, “What are you waiting for?” Well, I’m waiting for you to get to the actual recipe! Write better. Stay in school, kids.
Hi Harry, I actually have a doctorate, but thanks for the PSA. Also, all my recipes have a convenient “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the post if you’d like to quickly jump past the text and straight to the recipe. That way, you’ll have more time to leave nice comments like this one.
He said stay in school “kids”….just wondering why you took it so personal….thanks for the recipe…I made mine with fresh garden tomatoes and just guessed at the amount to use.
I’m glad you liked the recipe! I bet it was delicious with fresh garden tomatoes.
Hahaha. What an awesome comeback Rachel! Very classy and sassy at the same time. We are making this recipe for the first time today. Looking forward to it.
Thanks Jerry. ;) I hope you loved the spaghetti sauce!
Too bad you weren’t taught manners.
This recipe is so delicious and easy to make. I never changed a thing. Thank you. I just hope I don’t lose it. I can’t print it out or if make a coupe copies in case one got destroyed. Recommend this recipe to anyone and everyone.
Wow, thank you so much for the raving review! I’m so glad you liked this recipe.
This is delicious! I made this today and the entire family enjoyed it! As a beginner chef I would have appreciated a little help with the salt, but I understand your comment about adding it to taste :) (I didn’t add any butter since I don’t consume animal products)
I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!
There is plant butter that’s Dairy free and taste pretty good
Thanks for sharing!
This a classic sauce I have been making for several years and it is a winner!I add one extra ingredient: couple or three splashes of red wine during simmer.Even so, I will rate it as written.I have also used one of the notes: browning sweet Italian sausage, out of the casing, and the reviews at home get even better!Rachel, I like the idea of adding mushrooms and will give that a try.
I’m so glad you like it! The addition of red wine gives so much flavor, that’s always a great choice!
I have a recipe handed down from an Italian friend I usually use.
Some Italian-Americans, especially those in the Mid-Atlantic, refer to a red sauce as Sunday sauce or gravy.
This sauce sounds delicious.
I have heard that! Is the recipe you use similar?
Rachel,
My kids hate the texture of chunks of tomatoes in sauces. In that case, would it be easiest to just use all crushed tomatoes and then after simmering, run the immersion blender through it?
Thanks,
Ted
Yes, that’s what I would do! I hope everyone loves it! (My kids are the same way!)