Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This homemade spaghetti sauce is a rich, flavorful recipe made with ground beef, Italian herbs, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this classic pasta sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, or any pasta dish. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a family favorite that freezes well and makes meal prep effortless.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ½ lb Italian sausage + ½ lb ground beef)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Spaghetti noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the water, mix thoroughly, and bring the sauce to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving, if using.
7. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.

This versatile sauce also pairs beautifully with dishes like Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, and Instant Pot Spaghetti.

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Tips

• For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer—up to an hour.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder taste.
• To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered so the liquid reduces.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian meat substitute.
• Spice level: Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat, or omit them for a mild sauce.
• Tomatoes: Replace tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
• Herbs: Fresh oregano or thyme can be added alongside the basil.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce tastes even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Do I need to use sugar?
The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can leave it out or replace it with honey.

Serving Suggestions

• Toss with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice.
• Use as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or stuffed shells.
• Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.
• Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple pantry ingredients and quick preparation.
• Perfectly balanced flavors of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet.
• Versatile—works with pasta, casseroles, and slow cooker meals.
• Family-friendly and budget-friendly.