This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe focuses on slow simmering for deep flavor. Crafting your own spaghetti sauce from scratch ensures a richer, more satisfying meal than any jarred alternative.

Secret to Irresistible Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed, or bulk sausage)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup shredded carrot (or a pinch of sugar)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, carrot, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve over spaghetti or cooked pasta.
Video
Notes
Pro tips
- For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, carefully use an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency after simmering.
- Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Ensure ground beef and Italian sausage reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safely cooked.
This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional herbs or a touch of red wine for an even deeper profile. Enjoy sharing this delicious, comforting dish with your loved ones!
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