Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage and 1/2 lb ground beef)
• salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 onion (medium, chopped)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, chopped)
• spaghetti noodles (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the ground beef (or beef and sausage mixture) with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the meat into fine crumbles with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.

3. 3

   Drain the excess grease from the skillet. For an extra smooth sauce, you can optionally pulse the cooked meat once or twice in a food processor.

4. 4

   Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and granulated sugar to the skillet.

5. 5

   Stir the ingredients well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. 6

   Add 1 cup of water to the skillet and stir well to incorporate.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

8. 8

   If desired, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving over cooked spaghetti noodles.

Notes

Storage: Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 4-6 months. To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely, then fill a gallon freezer bag and store flat. Reheat on the stove until warm. Usage: This sauce works perfectly in Spaghetti Pie, Million Dollar Spaghetti, Slow Cooker Lasagna, or Instant Pot Spaghetti.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• pasta sauce
• meat sauce
• homemade
• kid-friendly
• freezer-friendly
• stovetop