20 Minute Spagetti Sauce
A quick and flavorful spaghetti sauce featuring fresh herbs and savory ingredients, perfect for a hearty family dinner or weeknight meal with customizable add-ins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Makes four cups of sauce.
- For variety, add browned and drained ground beef or canned mushrooms.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding the other ingredients. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted, using about one-third of the amount. For a heartier sauce, try adding browned and drained ground beef or canned mushrooms. This sauce is versatile and can be used in many Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious sauce over your favorite pasta, such as Homemade Spaghetti or Parolini Spaghetti. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad. You can also use it as a base for dishes like Cheryl Skymer's Lasagne or as a topping for baked potatoes for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months, allowing it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 20 Minute Spagetti Sauce contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes are a great alternative and can save time. Use about two cans of diced or crushed tomatoes to replace fresh tomatoes. Just adjust the seasoning since canned tomatoes can be more concentrated in flavor.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef bouillon and replace it with vegetable broth or additional water. You can enhance the umami flavor with mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for depth.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference, and remember that flavors will intensify as the sauce simmers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).