Basic Spaghetti Sauce
A classic tomato-based sauce with sweet, savory depth, perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping, ideal for home cooks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent and beginning to brown.
- Remove the onion and garlic with a slotted spoon.
- Drain any liquid back into the pot.
- Add tomato paste to the pot and return to heat, stirring frequently.
- Cook the tomato paste for about 5 minutes, ensuring it does not stick.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Optionally add seafood, meat, or poultry to the sauce.
- Cool, transfer to containers, and freeze if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Basic Spaghetti Sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process. For a quicker version, substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder and adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking. Remember that this sauce pairs beautifully with Robbie'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce, providing a rich and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Basic Spaghetti Sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It also makes a great base for Italian recipes like lasagna or stuffed shells. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 4502 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 501g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1814mg per serving (79% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, you'll need about 12 cups of peeled and chopped tomatoes to replace the canned tomato paste and sauce. Simmer them down to reduce excess liquid and achieve the desired consistency for your sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your Basic Spaghetti Sauce, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference. This addition can elevate the sauce and create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This sauce freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop for a homemade taste any day of the week.
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).