Italian Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and flavorful Italian homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh herbs and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and pasta lovers seeking authentic taste.
Ingredients
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion salt ⓘ
- dash of allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water or let it simmer longer. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones; use three times the amount. This sauce is versatile and can be used in dishes like Spugety And Meatballs or Homemade Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce for added variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over al dente pasta for a classic Italian meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a comforting twist, try it as a base for Boo'S Italian Potatoes or alongside a slice of homemade pizza. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Homemade Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 110 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% 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, about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes should work well. You'll need to peel and chop them, and you may want to add a bit of extra water to achieve the right consistency.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste as it simmers. This can give the sauce an exciting kick without overwhelming the classic flavors.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce is entirely vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan diets by ensuring all added ingredients, like sugar, are plant-based. It's a great base for various Italian recipes that cater to different dietary needs.
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).