Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce
A hearty spaghetti dish coated in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce with herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting, Italian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add cooking oil; turn heat to medium.
- Stir in chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Add tomato sauce and tomato paste; stir in oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the saucepan.
- Cook gently on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- Stir sauce into cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed onions. If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning is a great substitute. To enhance the sauce's depth, incorporate a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika. For a vegetarian twist, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving alongside Italian Sour Cream Cookies for dessert or a light antipasto platter to start.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce contains roughly 2014 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 215g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 6-8 medium ripe tomatoes will yield the same amount as a 29 oz. can of tomato sauce. Blanch and peel them, then chop and cook them down to create a sauce similar in texture and taste.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To spice up your tomato sauce, add red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce before serving. You can also incorporate finely chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference for the perfect balance.
Is this spaghetti sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).