How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

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If you want to control the flavors and ingredients in spaghetti sauce, create your own! For a quick tomato and olive oil sauce that tastes fresh, simmer canned tomatoes in garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. You can also make a meat spaghetti sauce that uses classic herbs and cooks until the meat is tender. Marinara sauce is also easy to make at a moment's notice. Just sauté a little onion and garlic in olive oil before you add red wine and tomatoes. Then cook the sauce until the tomatoes soften and lose their shape.

Ingredients

Quick Tomato and Olive Oil Sauce

  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 8 tablespoons (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole plum tomatoes packed in tomato juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 10 basil leaves

Makes 2 cups (450 g) of sauce

Classic Spaghetti Sauce with Meat

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons (6 g) minced garlic
  • 6 ounces (170 g) tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons (3 g) dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon (1 g) dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) dry thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) fennel seed, lightly crushed
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 2 cups (470 ml) beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons (8 g) sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon (½ g) crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, optional

Makes 8 servings

Simple Marinara Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (4.5 g) minced garlic
  • 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) red wine
  • 1 28-ounce (794 g) can of crushed or chopped tomatoes in puree
  • 1 tablespoon (4 g) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Quick Tomato and Olive Oil Sauce

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  1. with the back of a knife. Peel 6 cloves of garlic and set them on a cutting board. Use the flat blade of a chef's knife to press down firmly on each clove of garlic.
    • The pressure will crush the garlic and release flavor.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Put the crushed garlic into a non-reactive saucepan and pour in 5 tablespoons (74 ml) of the extra-virgin olive oil. Turn the burner to medium and heat the garlic until it becomes golden brown.
    • Stir the garlic occasionally so it cooks evenly.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole plum tomatoes and stir the tomatoes with their juice into the saucepan. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Turn the burner up to medium-high so the sauce begins to bubble steadily. Stir the sauce occasionally as it cooks and thickens.
    • The tomato juice should evaporate as the sauce cooks.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Turn the burner to high and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of olive oil. Use the back of a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Continue to simmer the sauce until the oil turns red. Then turn off the burner and serve the sauce.
  7. Add 10 fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. You can leave the basil whole or chop it. Spoon the sauce over cooked pasta and serve it immediately.
    • Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Classic Spaghetti Sauce with Meat

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven and turn the burner to medium. Stir in 1 pound (450 g) of lean ground beef, 1 cup (150 g) of diced yellow onion , and 2 teaspoons (6 g) of minced garlic . Stir and cook the meat mixture until the beef is browned and crumbly. [1]
    • Since you're using lean ground beef, there shouldn't be much grease to drain off. If the meat is very greasy, drain off excess grease before finishing the sauce.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Scoop 6 ounces (170 g) of tomato paste into the skillet and add the herbs. Stir well to combine the ingredients and cook the sauce over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. [2]
  3. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole or crushed San Marzano tomatoes and pour it into the skillet. Stir in 2 cups (470 ml) of beef broth and 2 teaspoons (8 g) of sugar. Turn the burner to medium-high so the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the temperature to low and let the sauce bubble gently for 30 minutes. [3]
    • Keep the lid off of the sauce so some of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens.
    • Simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours for a more flavorful and tender sauce.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Taste the sauce and add more herbs or salt and pepper according to your taste. If the sauce tastes too harsh or bitter, stir in the optional 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter. [4]
  5. Spoon the meat sauce over cooked pasta or use it as a filler for homemade lasagna . You can also flavor the meat sauce with freshly grated parmesan cheese. [5]
    • Refrigerate the leftover sauce in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Simple Marinara Sauce

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  1. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet and turn the burner to medium. Once the oil shimmers, stir in 1 chopped yellow onion . Cook and stir the onion occasionally until it's clear.

    [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons (4.5 g) of minced garlic into the skillet and cook it until it becomes fragrant. Stir it constantly to prevent it from burning. [7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Turn the burner to high and pour in 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of red wine. Stir the bottom of the skillet well to deglaze the pan. Cook the sauce until the wine evaporates. [8]
    • You can use any good table wine such as burgundy, chianti, or pinot noir.
    • If you'd like to leave out the wine, substitute chicken, beef, or vegetable stock.
  4. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of crushed or chopped tomatoes in puree and add it to the sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon (4 g) of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper. [9]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce bubble gently. Stir it occasionally as the flavors develop and the sauce thickens a little. [10]
  6. Turn off the burner and immediately spoon the marinara over cooked pasta. You can also use the marinara as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or bread sticks. [11]
    • Store the leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What’s the secret ingredient to great spaghetti sauce?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    There’s no one special ingredient, but olive oil, fresh garlic, and red wine are all awesome flavor boosters.
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  • Question
    What does baking soda do to spaghetti sauce?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Baking soda neutralizes the acid in spaghetti sauce, making it less tart. However, many chefs recommend using sugar instead for a more complex, well-balanced flavor.
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  • Question
    How do I make my spaghetti sauce smooth?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Using tomato paste instead of diced or whole tomatoes will result in a smoother sauce. The ingredients will also soften more if you simmer the sauce for a long time.
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      Tips

      • Try doubling or tripling a batch of spaghetti sauce. Store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 6 months.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Quick Tomato and Olive Oil Sauce

      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Cutting board
      • Chef's knife
      • Saucepan
      • Wooden spoon
      • Can opener

      Classic Spaghetti Sauce with Meat

      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Cutting board
      • Chef's knife
      • Saucepan
      • Wooden spoon
      • Can opener

      Simple Marinara Sauce

      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Cutting board
      • Chef's knife
      • Saucepan
      • Wooden spoon
      • Can opener

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/easy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/
      2. ↑ https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/easy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/
      3. ↑ https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/easy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/
      4. ↑ https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/easy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/
      5. ↑ https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/easy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/
      6. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/marinara-sauce-recipe-1948638
      7. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/marinara-sauce-recipe-1948638
      8. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/marinara-sauce-recipe-1948638
      9. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/marinara-sauce-recipe-1948638
      1. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/marinara-sauce-recipe-1948638
      2. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/marinara-sauce-recipe-1948638

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make classic homemade spaghetti sauce with meat, start by browning the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 7-8 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and spices and cook the sauce for 2 minutes. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and sugar and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat, spoon it over cooked pasta, and enjoy! For tips on making a quick marinara sauce, read on!

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        Jun 20, 2017

        "Love spaghetti and a good sauce, and the different versions are great. Adding different seasonings such fennel and ..." more
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