• About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Recipe Index

Main Navigation

  • Recipe Index
  • About

The Forked Spoon

Eat Healthy • Adventure Often

  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • By Diet

Home » Dinners & Main Course » Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
August 9, 2022
4.81 from 477 votes


Last Updated August 9, 2022 | 37 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

21.1K shares
jump to recipe
spaghetti sauce recipe pinterest pin
spaghetti sauce recipe pinterest pin image
spaghetti sauce recipe pinterest pin image
how to make the best spaghetti sauce pinterest pin

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is so hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare you’ll never want to buy the jarred stuff again. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, and tomatoes, learn how to make this delicious spaghetti sauce and enjoy it over cooked pasta or cooked into your favorite Italian recipes.

Overhead image of a large white pot filled with homemade spaghetti sauce made with onions, ground beef, garlic, and tomatoes.

The Best Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

I grew up eating some version of “homemade” spaghetti sauce at least once a week. It was one of my dad’s favorite dinners to prepare (and it was one of my favorite things to eat). Not much has changed in the past two-plus decades. I still love carbs and hearty meat sauces, and my dad still loves to make his very own spaghetti sauce creations.

In this recipe, you’ll find all the things you’d expect in a homemade spaghetti sauce: ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and simple Italian seasonings. No wild fillers or preservatives, just simple, delicious, meaty homemade sauce perfect for all your favorite recipes.

Difference Between Marinara Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce

The key difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce is that spaghetti sauce has meat, whereas marinara sauce does not.

Marinara sauce is meat-free and made primarily from onions, garlic, Italian seasonings, and tomatoes. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, comes filled with yummy chunks of meat in a thick and savory tomato sauce.

Large white serving plate filled with spaghetti noodles topped with homemade spaghetti sauce recipe.

Ingredients

Ground Beef – There’s no “best” type of ground beef for spaghetti sauce, so go with whatever works for you and your family. If you find ground beef on sale, awesome! In general, I typically purchase 85-90% lean ground beef. All out of ground beef but stocked up with Italian sausage and chicken? Feel free to use that instead!

Onions, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic – Your “mirepoix,” this collection of aromatics is the first (and arguably most important) layer of flavor for the entire sauce. The green bell pepper is completely optional. I wasn’t a fan of the addition as a kid, but now it’s a must-have in all my spaghetti sauce recipes.

Tomato Paste – Tomato paste helps thicken your sauce. Start with less and add more as needed.

Tomatoes (diced, crushed, sauce) – There is no need to get fancy here. I added 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, and 1 (14-ounce) can of tomato sauce.

 Seasoning – Aside from a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley just before serving, I prefer to add dried herbs to my spaghetti sauce. I added dried oregano, thyme, and basil. If it’s easier, feel free to add a heaping tablespoon of your favorite Italian seasoning blend. 

Worcestershire sauce – is a funny ingredient that is hard to describe. While it’s not a mandatory addition, the added umami flavor is a huge flavor upgrade.

Sugar – If you’ve ever looked at the nutritional information for your favorite jarred spaghetti, you may be surprised by how much sugar is in each serving. While so much sugar isn’t necessary, a little sugar is helpful to help balance the acidity from all those tomatoes – just be careful not to add too much.

Optional additions

Looking for a deeper, more complex pasta sauce? Try adding one or more of the following,

  • Red wine
  • Fresh basil
  • Bay leaves
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Additional veggies: carrots, celery, kale, spinach, mushrooms
Ground beef cooking in a large white pot.

How to Make Spaghetti Sauce

1. Brown the ground beef: Add the olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart into smaller crumbles. After the meat is fully cooked, transfer it to a clean plate and set aside.

2. Cook the onions, green pepper, and garlic: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pot set over medium heat. Cook the onions for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and translucent, stirring often. Stir in the diced bell pepper and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and stir in the minced garlic cloves. Cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute.

  • What is Mirepoix? Mirepoix is a mix of aromatics made from finely diced vegetables (the mix of vegetables will often vary by country and cuisine) that are cooked in butter or oil, low and slow as to sweeten the ingredients rather than caramelize them. These slow-cooked aromatic vegetables form the first layer of flavor in many recipes.
  • In this recipe, the mirepoix consists of onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
Minced yellow onion and garlic cooking over low heat in a large white Dutch oven.

3. Tomato paste and seasoning: Combine the tomato paste with the vegetables. Mix well to combine before adding the dried basil, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. If you don’t feel like purchasing individual jars of dried basil, thyme, and oregano, a simple mix of store-bought or homemade Italian seasoning will work.

Making homemade spaghetti sauce

4. Spaghetti sauce needs tomatoes: Pour the canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water into the pot and return the cooked ground meat back to the pot. Bring sauce to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour).

Note: This recipe calls for simple, unseasoned, plain, canned tomatoes. I did not use jarred spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce, or pizza sauce, nor did I use canned fire-roasted tomatoes.

5. Season and Serve: Season with additional salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, or sugar, to taste. Serve with cooked spaghetti noodles or other pasta of choice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and shredded parmesan cheese, if desired.

Large saucepan filled with onion and garlic tomato sauce

How to Thicken Spaghetti Sauce

The easiest way to thicken spaghetti sauce is by adding more tomato paste, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. You can also simmer the sauce over low heat, uncovered, until the desired consistency is reached.

How to Cook Spaghetti Sauce in the Slow Cooker

Start by browning the ground beef in a large Dutch oven or stockpot, then saute the onions, green bell pepper, and garlic. Transfer the cooked ground meat and vegetables to a large crockpot, then add the tomato paste, seasonings, canned tomatoes, and other ingredients. Mix well and cook on low for up to 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

How Long is Spaghetti Sauce Good for in the Fridge

Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, spaghetti sauce will last for up to 5-7 days. Reheat it in a small saucepot over medium heat or in the microwave before serving. 

Can You Freeze Spaghetti Sauce

Yes. Allow your sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to freezer bags or containers. You may choose to freeze your leftovers as individual servings or all together in one gallon-sized ziplock bag. Transfer to the refrigerator to cool overnight. The next morning, transfer your spaghetti sauce to the freezer for up to 3 months.

Large heavy-bottom pot filled with the best spaghetti sauce made with onion, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, and ground beef.

How to Use Spaghetti Sauce?

There are so many uses for spaghetti sauce. Serve it with meatballs, stuffed shells, or cooked pasta with garlic bread. Spread it over pizza or mix it into your favorite chili recipe or soup, like this cheesy lasagna soup.

More Pasta Recipes,

  • Easy Pasta Primavera Recipe
  • Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
  • Pasta with Bacon and Peas
  • Penne Arrabbiata Recipe
  • Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe
Large white serving plate filled with spaghetti noodles topped with homemade spaghetti sauce recipe.

Have you tried making this spaghetti sauce recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes. I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

Overhead image of a large white pot filled with homemade spaghetti sauce made with onions, ground beef, garlic, and tomatoes.

Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

4.81 from 477 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is so hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare you'll never want to buy the jarred stuff again. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, and tomatoes, Learn How to Make Spaghetti Sauce right at home and enjoy with pasta or cooked into your favorite recipes like stuffed peppers and lasagna.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Pasta, Sauce
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 570 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil - divided
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 medium yellow onions - diced
  • 1 green bell pepper - stem removed, seeded, and diced (optional)
  • 5 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2-3 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt + black pepper - to season
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ cup water - plus more as needed
  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles - cooked according to package instructions
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground beef – Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or saucepot set over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to season. Transfer beef to a clean plate and set aside.
  • Cook the onions, bell pepper, and garlic – To the same pot add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and return to medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and translucent, stirring often. Mix in the diced bell pepper and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and stir in the minced garlic. Cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute.
  • Mix the onions with the tomato paste and seasoning – Add the tomato paste to the vegetables, mixing thoroughly until combined. Add the basil, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Add tomatoes – Stir in the tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and return the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Mix well to combine. Bring sauce to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes.
  • Season to taste – Season with additional salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or sugar, to taste. Serve with cooked spaghetti noodles or other pasta of choice. Garnish with chopped parsley and shredded parmesan cheese, if desired.

Jessica’s Notes

  • This recipe is terrific with all ground beef or substituted for ground pork, Italian sausage, ground lamb, chicken, or ground turkey.
  • Thin the sauce by adding additional water, chicken stock, or even salted pasta water. To thicken the sauce stir in more tomato paste 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • As written, this recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free (double check with your Worcestershire sauce to confirm as each brand is different)
  • Leftovers: Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 564mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 116IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword How to Make Spaghetti Sauce, Spaghetti Sauce, Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

21.1K shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Jose says

    December 29, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    Jesus Christ this was a hit ✌️

    Reply
  2. Gene Rougeau says

    November 30, 2022 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    I think you stole my mom recipe!!! LOLOLOLOL 😎

    Reply
  3. Patricia Fox says

    November 26, 2022 at 5:15 am

    What is a good tomato sauce to use for spaghetti I’ve always used hunts but something has change in sauce and now my spaghetti does not taste the same nobody could eat it we ended up throwing the whole pot of sauce in the trash

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      November 26, 2022 at 8:57 am

      The 1 can of tomato sauce should be plain blended tomatoes with salt, red pepper, and maybe some citric acid as a natural preservative with no other ingredients. I am not sure about Hunts, but I use 365 tomato sauce delivered from Amazon.

      Reply
  4. Chet says

    October 12, 2022 at 4:55 am

    5 stars
    It was an excellent recipe. I do the cooking and my wife loved it. I used Califlower pasta. Next time I will try ground pork or Italian sausage. Thanks for posting the recipe it will be one of my go to meals.

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      October 13, 2022 at 6:56 am

      Thanks for the excellent feedback and rating, Chet 🙂

      Reply
  5. Allison says

    September 16, 2022 at 1:02 pm

    5 stars
    I have used this recipe a handful of times and my dad literally requested it today for dinner! I also make chili and this is definitely nothing like chili. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe! By far the best recipe out there!

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

Reader Favorites

  • Perfect, clear, beef bone broth in a large stockpot. Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola. Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl
  • A close up of a bowl Chimichurri Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
  • Bok Choy being cooked in a wok with a spoonful of garlic sauce 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
  • White bowl filled with homemade chicken soup. The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
  • Skillet filled with fully cooked mahi mahi fillets cooked in a lemon butter sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Logo of The Forked Spoon by Jessica Randhawa
The Forked Spoon has been featured on Yahoo, CountryLiving, MSN, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, and Parade
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Contact
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 · The Forked Spoon LLC • Disclosure