Name: Secret to Irresistible Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
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

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.

⏱ Time: 45 min

👥 Servings: 6-8

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Secret to Irresistible Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti sauce: master this rich and hearty homemade recipe. Simmered to perfection with savory meats and fresh tomatoes, it’s ideal for any pasta night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method

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.

Notes

– 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.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

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!