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Home » Dressings and Sauces » The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

January 3, 2019 by Amy 41 Comments

This hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, made with sausage, ground beef, and three kinds of tomatoes, is perfect over spaghetti or in lasagna!

overhead picture of homemade spaghetti sauce in pan

Unintentionally, spaghetti has become our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. I think it was about seven years ago I served lasagna, which was great since I prepped it the night before. But there’s only four of us, and it was just too much. So the next  year I made spaghetti and my favorite classic meatballs, since I always have a batch in the freezer! The following year, though, I simply served this homemade spaghetti sauce…and it’s stuck ever since.

I laugh every year I serve it, feeling like I should be making something extra special instead. Then without fail, both kids double check with me that morning, “Mom, you’re making spaghetti with the meat sauce, right?” Which is why I’ll be making it for eternity. Plus it’s so easy, delicious, and not ordinary!

picture of homemade spaghetti meat sauce in pan

Is there even a standard Christmas Eve meal? Turkey is synonymous with Thanksgiving and Prime Rib for Christmas, but everyone I know actually goes out to dinner, so I don’t even know what most people serve. Anyway, there are no rules, which is why I make a glazed ham for Thanksgiving. I’m such a rebel. HA.

Everyone should have a go-to homemade pasta sauce in their arsenal. I know jarred sauce is so convenient, but there’s nothing like homemade sauce.

This is my favorite – maybe not considered a quick spaghetti sauce, since you really want it to simmer for several hours, which deepens the flavors, but definitely an easy spaghetti sauce. And also perfect to use as the sauce layer in lasagna!

picture of spaghetti and homemade meat sauce on white plate with fork

Is there a difference between spaghetti sauce and Bolognese sauce?

Yep! I know they look and smell the same, but marinara sauce is basically tomato sauce with herbs and onion, whereas Bolognese sauce is meat based and typically made with carrots, celery, wine and/or milk. This particular recipe is sort of a cross between the two!

Why use sugar in spaghetti sauce?

Sugar gets such an unfair rap these days. It’s not the enemy, friends. Sugar, like salt, is a great ingredient that gives balance to food and helps with overall flavor. It is especially needed in a spaghetti sauce to help cut the acidity from the tomatoes.

Can spaghetti sauce be made in advance and frozen?

Definitely! In fact, I recommend making it in advance. Start it in the morning and let it low simmer for hours. The longer it cooks, the better!

It can be made ahead and kept refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.

You can further extend its shelf life by freezing it, covered in an airtight container, for up to 4 months.

picture of spaghetti and homemade meat sauce simmering in pan and on white plate

Who knows, maybe this will become your traditional Christmas Eve dinner, too. If not, there’s 364 other days to enjoy it!

Other Pasta Sauces you might enjoy!

Easy Homemade Marinara

Classic Basil Pesto

Avocado Cream Sauce

Watch the video for Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

You could also learn how to cook spaghetti squash and use this spaghetti sauce on top of that for a delicious low-carb option!

5 from 4 votes
Print
The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 15 mins
 

This hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, made with sausage, ground beef, and three kinds of tomatoes, is perfect over spaghetti or in lasagna!

Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: bolognese sauce, homemade, recipe, spaghetti sauce
Servings: 6
Calories: 493 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 12 ounces tomato paste
  • 15 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
  1. In a large pot or pan, add in the sausage and beef over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add in the onion and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Drain off fat. 

  2. Reduce heat to medium; add in the sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Add in the tomato paste and stir to combine.

  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their liquid, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well until combined; bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour (ideally 4)

  4. Use right away, refrigerate for later, or freeze for down the road!

Recipe Notes
  1. Isn't this Bolognese sauce? Well, sort of, but not really. Bolognese sauce is meat based like this, but typically made with carrots, celery, wine and/or milk (which are not included here.) Marinara sauce is basically tomato sauce with herbs and onion. So this particular recipe is like a cross between the two!
  2. Don't freak out over the sugar! Sugar, like salt, is a great ingredient that gives balance to food and helps with overall flavor. It is especially needed in a spaghetti sauce to help cut the acidity from the tomatoes.
  3. The longer this simmers the better the flavor. Low and slow, friends.
  4. It can be made ahead and kept refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. You can further extend its shelf life by freezing it, covered in an airtight container, for up to 4 months.
Nutrition Facts
The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 493 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 104mg35%
Sodium 1796mg75%
Potassium 1467mg42%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 5g20%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 32g64%
Vitamin A 1725IU35%
Vitamin C 34mg41%
Calcium 127mg13%
Iron 7mg39%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Dressings and Sauces, Gluten-Free, Non-Dairy Tagged With: bolognese, Pasta, sauce, spaghetti sauce

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Comments

  1. Pj Mitchell says

    December 2, 2019 at 10:19 am

    My family has been having spaghetti on Christmas Eve for years. Easy make ahead and so good.

    Reply
  2. Rachelle says

    December 1, 2019 at 2:13 am

    5 stars
    Wow, what a great recipe. This is almost exact to the way my grandma made her sauce. I hate I didn’t pay better attention when she used to make it. I didn’t use the chicken broth, only because I didn’t have any. Next time I make it, I will definitely do the recipe exactly as listed.
    It’s crazy to me people would not put the sugar in this sauce. They must not know much about cooking. It’s not like you’re going to taste it. I just wanted to say thank you for posting, and I look forward to trying some of your other recipes.

    Reply
  3. Leslie B says

    September 13, 2019 at 5:39 am

    has anyone used this sauce in Lasagna? I am hoping to make both spaghetti and lasagna with it.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Amy @Belly Full says

      September 13, 2019 at 5:41 am

      I use this sauce for both spaghetti and lasagna all the time.

      Reply
  4. Tara says

    September 11, 2019 at 9:25 am

    I have all ingredients except tomato paste. Have you tried it without the paste? I’m making lazagna with the sauce.

    Reply
  5. Ruth says

    August 22, 2019 at 10:27 am

    I know this sounds crazy, but, is the “spicy” sausage the same as “hot” sausage? Most are labeled mild, hot, sweet or regular. Went out on a limb today and bought the “hot.” Cooking it up as I write this!

    Reply
    • Amy @Belly Full says

      August 22, 2019 at 12:45 pm

      Yep, same thing!

      Reply
      • Darlene says

        October 3, 2019 at 8:19 am

        What type of Italian Seasoning do you use, i have tried several that I wasn’t crazy about?

        Reply
        • Kelly says

          October 26, 2019 at 11:27 am

          Do you think I could can this after making instead of freezing? I keep a huge canned stock of goods.
          Thank you!

          Reply
  6. Judy says

    August 21, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    I made this recipe on the stove and then put in the crockpot on high for 4 hours. Turned out wonderful. Picky husband – satisfied!!

    Reply
  7. Pegah says

    August 21, 2019 at 3:57 pm

    Someone commented their husband doesn’t like sweet sauce. Is the sauce sweet?

    Reply
    • Judy says

      August 21, 2019 at 4:21 pm

      I made this today and cut the sugar in half. My husband loved it.

      Reply
  8. Susan Dubose says

    August 8, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Everyone at home was pleased with this meal. Not so difficult to make, not so expensive & very tasty. I added fresh mushrooms & fresh basil. I highly recommended.

    Reply
  9. Della says

    August 4, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    How much wine did you use and what kind.I never know what brand to use for cooking.

    Reply
  10. Peggy says

    July 30, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    Made this for dinner tonight & it was awesome! My husband really raved about how great it was, he said probably the best spaghetti sauce he has ever had anywhere !

    Reply
  11. Kate says

    July 25, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    I can’t wait to make this! I was just wondering if it’s simmered covered or uncovered?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Amy @Belly Full says

      July 26, 2019 at 6:33 am

      Uncovered. But if you have a splatter screen, you could definitely put that to good use here.

      Reply
  12. Sharon says

    July 13, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Would this b enough for 9 people or should i double?

    Reply
    • Amy @Belly Full says

      July 13, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Sharon – it serves 6, generously. If you think you’ll want to pile it on pretty thick, then you might want to double. Otherwise, you should be fine with it as is.

      Reply
  13. SSturbaum says

    July 13, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Grated Carrots will also cut the acidity and adds just a hint of sweetness without sugar.

    Reply
  14. Bre says

    July 12, 2019 at 12:25 am

    I live in Asia and we don’t have fire roasted tomatoes… is there an alternative? Maybe more crushed tomatoes?

    Reply
    • Amy @Belly Full says

      July 12, 2019 at 6:45 am

      Hi Bre. Hm… there really isn’t an ideal substitute, since fire roasted tomatoes are cooked slowly, get charred, and add a richer flavor. Maybe make your own? You can do it over a grill or in the oven (Google it for different methods.) Or use canned whole peeled tomatoes (drained) and slow roast them with a little olive oil and fresh herbs until the liquid has evaporated, then chop up – but that might be more time consuming than you want to deal with.

      Reply
  15. mary Jack says

    July 7, 2019 at 11:03 am

    I have tried so many spaghetti sauce recipes that I gave up looking for a long time. Its so disappointing! Came across yours on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. This is so tasty! And there isn’t that many ingredients compared to some other spaghetti sauce recipes. Thank you Amy for sharing this!

    Reply
  16. jackie Curtis says

    June 10, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    This almost exact same recipe was taught to me by mother many many years ago. We do not put in chicken broth or sugar. You are entitled to your opinion, but I truly think sugar ruins spaghetti sauce.

    Reply
    • Jackie Curtis says

      June 10, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      I forgot to add, I also put in red wine in my sauce. And mushrooms.

      Reply
      • Amy @Belly Full says

        June 10, 2019 at 2:25 pm

        Sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and the little bit adds a good balance of flavor. It’s also worth mentioning that my recipe got extreme high praise from famous Italian Chef Fabio Viviani, so I think I’ll stick with it as is, thanks!

        Reply
  17. Penny says

    June 10, 2019 at 10:33 am

    Best sauce i have ever made. Everyone loved it.
    Thank you for this recipe…

    Reply
    • Robin says

      October 3, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      The recipe I’ve used for years is identical to yours except the fire roasted tomatoes. Will definitely try this. I also add sugar because it does cut the acidity of the tomatoes… doesn’t make your sauce “sweet” just balances it

      Reply
      • Chris Estes says

        December 2, 2019 at 10:41 am

        5 stars
        This would have been my exact post!!

        Reply
  18. Spero says

    May 18, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    This is the absolute best spaghetti sauce. My wife loved it. This is definitely a keeper. Store bought not even close.

    Reply
  19. Julie says

    April 14, 2019 at 8:42 am

    Made this to impress a new man I’m dating. Totally worked! I will keep this recipe forever, it’s so good! Thank you!

    Reply
  20. Beth says

    January 20, 2019 at 7:45 pm

    I made this and it’s fantastic! I love it. My husband thinks its alright, but he doesn’t care for sweet sauce.. but I do, which is why I love it lol

    Reply
  21. Lisa says

    January 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Making this today. Think I’ll add a splash of red wine as well!

    Reply
  22. Jeanne says

    January 6, 2019 at 11:05 am

    Could this be cooked in crock pot? I’m thinking steps 2 and 3 could be done in there, then let it simmer for several hours on low (4. . .6. . .).

    Reply
    • Amy @Belly Full says

      January 7, 2019 at 8:44 am

      You could try it.

      Reply
      • Sandy says

        August 4, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        I’m going to make this tomorrow and after all is combined I’m going to put it in crockpot on low for two hours, then check and add more time as/if needed! Don’t really know why this wouldn’t work!

        Reply
    • Sandra says

      January 10, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      If you make it in a crockpot like I do it’s very easy, no stirring or watching the pot, but it’s quite liquid so omit the broth and leave the lid off for the last hour

      Reply
  23. Mom says

    January 3, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    Afraid I’ll have to leave out the sausage because of the salt content. It should still be delicious, and I’ll let you know after I’ve made and eaten. If I can find a low salt Italian sausage, I’ll try it.

    Reply
    • LMorris says

      April 11, 2019 at 5:56 pm

      I cut the recipe in half, so I just used 1lb of ground beef. Best spaghetti sauce I’ve made and the family loved it.

      Reply
  24. Christi says

    January 3, 2019 at 1:59 pm

    I don’t think I even need the pasta, I could eat this sauce with a spoon!

    Reply
    • Judy Nash says

      December 1, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      Using this delicious sauce over steamed zucchini is to die for!!!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Amy - the home cook behind Belly Full (formerly Very Culinary). Come play with me! Read More >>

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