Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this homemade spaghetti sauce that is bursting with Italian-American flair. This classic marinara is a versatile staple, perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Cook meat (optional): If using, add and brown the meat, then drain excess fat.
- Add ingredients: Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste. Season with sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and peppers.
- Simmer: Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust if needed.
- Serve: Over cooked spaghetti, garnish with herbs and cheese.
Notes
- This sauce freezes well—double the batch for future use.
- For a vegetarian twist, swap meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
