Description
Rich, bold, and incredibly easy to prepare, this Easy Spaghetti Sauce is your answer to a quick dinner fix or a slow-simmered comfort classic. Perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends, this homemade sauce beats anything from a jar. With pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it’s a go-to for pasta lovers and ideal for healthy snack preps or easy dinner ideas. This easy recipe is freezer-friendly, meal-prep approved, and versatile enough to pair with anything from spaghetti to meatballs. Whether you’re after breakfast ideas, food ideas for dinner, or a reliable base for lasagna, this sauce has you covered.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup water or broth
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
5. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if needed).
6. Add water or broth to adjust the sauce consistency.
7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add meat or plant-based protein during the last 10 minutes if using.
Notes
Use San Marzano tomatoes for a naturally sweeter and more flavorful base.
Letting the sauce simmer slowly gives it a deep, rich flavor—don’t rush it.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so make it slightly looser if storing for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner, spaghetti, red sauce, pasta sauce, healthy snack, food ideas