Spaghetti night was a dreaded event when I was growing up. My mom would make a massive batch of spaghetti sauce, and we’d have it for dinner every night until it was all gone. By day three, I couldn’t stomach another plate! But now, as a busy mom, I totally get it. Cooking one large batch of something and stretching it over multiple meals saves so much time and energy.
That’s why I love this simple and flavorful spaghetti sauce recipe. It’s not just any sauce—it’s loaded with fresh veggies, has a rich depth of flavor, and includes a little kick that makes it irresistible. The best part? It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, use as a base for lasagna, or even spoon over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
If you’ve been looking for a homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that’s both easy and packed with flavor, this one’s for you!
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Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes, but the longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
- Loaded with Veggies: Sneak in extra nutrition without compromising taste.
- Perfect for Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and freeze for later.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering spaghetti sauce:
- Ground meat – Beef, turkey, or sausage all work well.
- Onion – Adds a rich base of flavor.
- Bell pepper – Provides a touch of sweetness.
- Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes give a vibrant flavor.
- Minced garlic – Adds depth and aroma.
- Dry red wine – Helps deglaze the pan and intensifies flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes – The base of the sauce.
- Onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor.
- Garlic powder – Boosts the garlic profile.
- Salt and pepper – Brings balance to the flavors.
- Basil – Adds a fresh, herbal note.
- Thyme – Provides earthy depth.
- Oregano – Complements the Italian flavors perfectly.
How to Make This Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
1Prep Your Veggies
Dice the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Mince the garlic if using fresh cloves. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.
Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat over medium heat until it develops a golden color. This step is essential for adding a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce. Drain any excess grease.
Add Onions and Bell Pepper
Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add Fresh Tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes and stir everything together. The fresh tomatoes add brightness and natural sweetness to the sauce.
Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook out.
Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, thyme, and oregano. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
Simmer for Maximum Flavor
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors develop. I recommend letting it go for an hour if you have the time!
Storage Tips
Refrigerate
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for Later
If you have extra sauce, freezing is a great option. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
- Large skillet or Dutch oven – Perfect for browning meat and simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For prepping your veggies.
- Freezer-safe containers – For storing leftover sauce.
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
This easy homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is packed with fresh veggies and rich flavors. Perfect for busy moms, it’s quick to make, versatile, and freezer-friendly—ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions
1. Prep All Vegetables and Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Mince the garlic if using fresh cloves. Measure out the seasonings and have everything ready to go. Prepping ahead makes the cooking process smoother and faster.
2. Brown the meat in a large skillet or Dutch oven
Add the ground meat over medium heat. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns a deep golden brown. Browning the meat properly adds depth of flavor to the sauce. If using lean meat, you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Drain excess grease if needed to prevent a greasy sauce.
3. Add Onions and Bell Pepper
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir to combine and sauté for 5–7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and develop flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
4. Add Garlic and Stir Until Fragrant
Add the minced garlic to the mixture and stir for 1–2 minutes. Garlic burns quickly, so stir frequently and cook just until fragrant. This step infuses the sauce with rich aromatic flavors.
5. Add Fresh Tomatoes
Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes. They will release their juices and add brightness to the sauce. Let them simmer for 3–5 minutes until they start to break down and blend into the mixture.
6. Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour the dry red wine into the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, adds extra flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while intensifying the overall flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with beef broth or balsamic vinegar.
7. Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine all ingredients. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, thyme, and oregano. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce at this point.
8. Simmer for Maximum Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. For a richer and more complex sauce, simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent burning.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasonings
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic or more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, in lasagna, or over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
More Family Favorite Recipes
This spaghetti sauce recipe is a lifesaver for busy moms who need a quick, delicious, and versatile meal. Whether you’re serving it over spaghetti, adding it to lasagna, or freezing it for later, this sauce will become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that come with every bite!
