Name: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 ½ lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green pepper, chopped; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 bay leaf; ¼ tsp oregano; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can crushed tomatoes (28oz); 1 can tomato sauce (12oz); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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There is something truly magical about a slow-simmered sauce, brimming with fresh ingredients and rich flavors that warm your soul. This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is exactly that kind of treasure — a hearty, comforting blend of lean ground beef, vibrant green peppers, garlic, and perfectly seasoned tomatoes, all coming together to create a sauce that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a dish that feels like a loving hug in a bowl, this sauce will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white cutting board in the center with a block of raw pink ground meat on top. Around it are white bowls and small dishes arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the top left is a bowl with chopped bright green bell peppers, next to it a larger bowl of rich red crushed tomatoes, and on the top right a bowl of chopped white onions with some dollops of white cream or sour cream. Below the green peppers is a clear glass bowl with yellow olive oil, and below the onions, a small white bowl with red tomato paste. To the bottom left of the meat, there are two small bowls with black pepper and dried Italian herbs, and directly below the meat, a bowl filled with sliced light brown mushrooms. On the bottom right are two whole white garlic bulbs, a small bowl of dried green herbs, and a small bunch of fresh parsley with a few bay leaves on the marble surface. Each bowl has a small white spoon, and everything is captured with soft, even lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients make the best sauces, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, bringing its own unique flavor, texture, or color to create a well-balanced, mouthwatering spaghetti sauce.

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables and beef to perfection.
1 ½ lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
1 medium onion, chopped: Infuses sweetness and an aromatic base when cooked down.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that classic punch of flavor essential in any Italian sauce.
1 green pepper, chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and a fresh, slightly sweet note.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Contribute earthiness and a meaty texture that enhances the sauce.
1 bay leaf: Imparts a delicate herbal fragrance during simmering.
¼ tsp oregano: Offers a warm, slightly bitter hint typical in Italian flavors.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend that combines herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary for complexity.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor with concentrated richness.
1 can crushed tomatoes (28oz): Creates the beautiful, thick base full of vibrant tomato goodness.
1 can tomato sauce (12oz): Adds smoothness and a slightly sweet tang to balance the sauce.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the dish.
¼ tsp pepper: Provides just the right hint of spice without overwhelming.
1 tbsp sugar: Cuts through acidity and rounds out the tomato’s natural tartness.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that lifts the final presentation.

How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Ground Beef

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything while stirring occasionally, breaking up the beef pieces. Watch as the meat browns and the vegetables soften, releasing their wonderful aromas—it takes about 10 minutes. This step builds the robust flavor base that will infuse every bite of your sauce.

Step 2: Stir in Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Once your meat and veggies are beautifully browned and tender, mix in the tomato paste. This little jar of concentrated tomato goodness deepens the sauce’s color and flavor. Then pour in the cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. The crushed tomatoes bring texture, while the sauce smooths it all out into a luscious, thick base.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Next, add your salt, pepper, and sugar, followed by the bay leaf, oregano, and Italian seasoning. These spices are subtle but essential—they balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance every other ingredient you’ve lovingly added to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer Gently

Reduce the heat to low, cover your pot, and let the sauce simmer away for 1 hour. Stir occasionally during this time to keep everything from sticking and to blend the flavors deeply. This slow, gentle cooking transforms your simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce that tastes like it’s been made with love over several hours.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving, remove the bay leaf—the herb has done its job infusing beautiful flavor, but it’s not meant to be eaten. Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is now ready to shine over your favorite cooked pasta. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pretty, fresh finish.

How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

The first image shows a white pan with light wood handles on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there is a dark brown cooked base with small pieces, topped with a bright red chunky tomato sauce layer covering almost the whole pan. On top of the tomato layer, there are two piles of dried herbs, one dark green and one light green, and a single bay leaf in the center. Above the pan, there is a white bowl filled with bright red chopped tomatoes. Nearby on the white marbled surface, there are two garlic bulbs, fresh green parsley, and two small white bowls containing dried herbs each with a white spoon. The second image shows the same pan and ingredients but now the tomato sauce is fully mixed with the base, forming a smooth, thick, rich red sauce with visible small vegetable bits. A red striped cloth and wooden utensils sit at the bottom left of the scene. The whole setting has a clean, bright look with a focus on fresh and dried ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. For an extra indulgent touch, try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, which melts slightly into the hot sauce and adds a salty complexity. A few fresh basil leaves also complement the Italian herbs beautifully and make your dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This hearty sauce pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last delicious drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce. You could also serve roasted vegetables or steamed greens on the side to round out the meal with vibrant textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond classic spaghetti noodles, try tossing this sauce with penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Layer it in a baked pasta casserole with mozzarella and ricotta for a comfort-filled bake. You could even use it as a luscious topping for homemade pizza or meatball subs—versatility is part of what makes this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe so wonderful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let any leftover sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy quick meals throughout the week without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months frozen. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in storage. Be patient—slow reheating keeps the flavors bright and prevents the sauce from breaking or burning.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add more vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. You can also add lentils or textured vegetable protein for protein-rich options that soak up the sauce’s delicious flavors.

How spicy is this sauce?

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you prefer a little heat, adding red pepper flakes during the simmering step is a fantastic way to give it a gentle kick.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can work, especially if they’re ripe and flavorful. You’ll want to peel and crush them first, and keep in mind that fresh tomatoes might change the sauce’s texture and cooking time slightly. Canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent, but fresh can be delicious if you have them on hand.

What’s the best pasta to serve with this sauce?

Classic long pastas like spaghetti or linguine are always winners because their strands capture the sauce well. However, chunky shapes like penne or rigatoni are great if you love scooping up spoonfuls of sauce with your pasta.

Can I make this sauce ahead for a party?

Definitely! This sauce actually tastes even better the next day after sitting in the fridge, as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepared in advance, it’s a lifesaver for busy party days, allowing you to focus on other dishes or guests.

Final Thoughts

Making your own sauce from scratch is such a rewarding experience, and this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a fantastic place to start. With straightforward ingredients and a tried-and-true method, you’ll delight in the rich flavors and comforting aromas filling your kitchen. Give it a go and soon you’ll see how a homemade sauce can elevate any pasta night into something truly special.