Home Canned Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce with ripe tomatoes, herbs, and spices, perfect for family dinners and preserving garden harvests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 4 medium garlic cloves, diced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 8 quarts tomatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons canning salt ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir the salad oil, onions, garlic cloves, and green pepper for 10 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, partly covered, for 2 hours.
- Fish out the bay leaves, then can the hot sauce in heated jars and lids.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the sauce. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well as a substitute. You can also adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or omitting it for a milder sauce. For a twist, try incorporating some roasted vegetables or use this sauce as a base for Italian recipes like lasagna or pasta dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. It’s perfect topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Consider pairing it with a garden salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-themed dinner. This sauce also works well as a foundation for dishes like Cacciatore Sauce or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
After canning, store the jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It pairs well with a fresh loaf of bread or over pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Home Canned Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 865 calories, with 28g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (191% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones. As a general rule, use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Fresh basil and parsley will enhance the flavor of your sauce. Just add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
How long can I store the canned spaghetti sauce?
Home canned spaghetti sauce can be stored for up to a year if sealed properly. Always check for signs of spoilage before use. If the lid is bulging or the sauce has an off smell, it’s best to discard it. Make sure to label your jars with the date canned.
Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce instead of canning it?
Absolutely! If you prefer freezing, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
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).