Big Batch Spaghetti Sauce

Transform your weeknight pasta game with this hearty and flavor-packed Big Batch Spaghetti Sauce, perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, and a rich medley of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, this homemade spaghetti sauce is simmered low and slow for ultimate depth of flavor. Seasoned with a robust mix of dried herbs and a hint of sweetness, this versatile sauce comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of Italian cuisine. Ideal for pairing with classic spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti, this recipe makes enough to serve 12—and freezes beautifully for easy leftovers. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this spaghetti sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 15 ounces tomato sauce (canned)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, sauté the diced onions until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Mix in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape.

Step 9

Simmer the sauce for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer the sauce simmers, the more developed the flavors will be.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar based on your preference.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish the sauce with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. This sauce can also be used for lasagna, baked ziti, or other Italian dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3567.9 grams (3567.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4375

Total Fat 312.70g	401%
Saturated Fat 106.90g	535%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 932mg	311%
Sodium 12305mg	535%
Total Carbohydrate 183.80g	67%
Dietary Fiber 34.00g	121%
Total Sugars 108.50g
Protein 253.60g	507%

Vitamin D 56IU	281%
Calcium 821mg	63%
Iron 45mg	251%
Potassium 9396mg	200%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.7%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 16.1%