Homestyle Spaghetti Sauce
Homestyle spaghetti sauce features rich crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic and basil, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings over a bowl of pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or pot, heat corn oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, water, sugar, dried basil, salt, dried oregano, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers. If you're out of dried basil, fresh basil can be used instead; just double the amount. You can also substitute the corn oil with olive oil for a different taste. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the homestyle spaghetti sauce over your favorite spaghetti or pasta. It pairs beautifully with Italian Salad Dressing With Honey for a refreshing side salad. Consider adding garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short increments until heated through. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 239 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of crushed tomatoes?
If you don't have crushed tomatoes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato puree. If using diced tomatoes, blend them slightly for a smoother consistency. Remember that tomato puree will yield a thicker sauce, so adjust the water accordingly.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! However, if you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers while sautéing the onions and garlic. These additions will provide extra texture and depth to the sauce.
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).