Easy Spaghetti Sauce

Transform your pasta nights with this Easy Spaghetti Sauce—a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings classic Italian-inspired comfort to your table in just 40 minutes. Made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs, this versatile sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Sautéed onions and garlic infuse the sauce with rich, savory depth, while optional ground beef adds hearty protein for a meat sauce variation. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes offers a subtle kick for those who love a little heat. Serve this easy-to-make spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and don’t forget to top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe makes enough to satisfy four hungry appetites and can be customized to suit your preferences!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 pound ground beef (optional for a meat sauce)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 4

If using ground beef, add it to the saucepan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1221 grams (1221.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1129

Total Fat 75.50g	97%
Saturated Fat 22.60g	113%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 181mg	60%
Sodium 3554mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 72.20g	26%
Dietary Fiber 17.80g	64%
Total Sugars 42.80g
Protein 52.20g	104%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 252mg	19%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 2898mg	62%

*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: 57.7%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 24.5%