Go Back
Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

This hearty and easy homemade spaghetti sauce combines ground beef, rich tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a deeply satisfying, freezer-friendly family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 570
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 lbs ground beef or preferred alternative
  • 2 yellow onions diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced (optional)
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2-3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup water adjust as needed

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add remaining oil, then sauté onions until soft. Add bell pepper and cook until tender. Stir in garlic.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and dried herbs. Cook for 1–2 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Add all tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire, and water. Return beef to pot and stir well.
  5. Simmer covered on low for 20–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice.

Notes

You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Consider adding red wine, bay leaves, or balsamic vinegar for extra depth.