What’s in This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe?
Crushed tomatoes, onion, carrot, garlic, sugar, and herbs meld together in a pot to create the perfect homemade tomato sauce for your next bowl of spaghetti!
Oil: It’s important to use extra-virgin olive oil in this sauce for its rich flavor. Onion: Chopped yellow onion adds a touch of earthy sweetness to the sauce. Carrot: A finely grated carrot practically melts into the sauce to balance out its acidity. Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor to the sauce. Red Pepper Flakes: Add a touch of spice to the sauce. Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste form the base of the sauce, adding rich tomato flavor and delicate acidity. Oregano: Adds a fresh and herbal flavor to the sauce. Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar cuts the acidity of the sauce. Basil: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
The flavor of this spaghetti sauce comes primarily from the oil and tomatoes, so use the best canned tomatoes that are available to you. The better the tomato product, the better the sauce!
Variations on Easy Spaghetti Sauce
This is a classic homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, but you can certainly make adjustments to suit your tastes. Try adding some sliced mushrooms, ground beef, or browned Italian sausage for a meatier sauce. Or add some roasted red bell peppers for a smoky flavor. For a pop of richness, stir in some red wine; or for a creamy sauce, stir in some heavy cream.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover homemade spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze homemade spaghetti sauce in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 6 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This sauce is also great to freeze in individual portions for easy access any time a craving strikes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade spaghetti sauce over some homemade pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any type of pasta you like) with a side of garlic bread. Or use it for dipping with appetizers like mozzarella sticks, pizza pinwheels, or air fryer pizza rolls.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce Step by Step
Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium pot, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add in 1 chopped yellow onion and ½ cup finely grated carrots. Cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 28 ounces (1 large can) of crushed tomatoes, 6 ounces (1 small can) of tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce thickens, you may want to put the lid on the pot to prevent splatters. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water. Stir in the Basil: Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in ½ cup of torn fresh basil and serve.
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