Easy Spaghetti Sauce Recipe: Weeknight Dinner Done Right!

Spaghetti night. Just the words conjure up images of happy families gathered around the table, twirling pasta onto forks, and savoring the rich, comforting flavors of a classic tomato sauce. But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of spending hours simmering a complex sauce can be daunting, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s where this recipe comes in! This isn’t your grandmother’s all-day affair; this is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious spaghetti sauce that you can whip up in under an hour. Prepare for a symphony of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds, all without the fuss and stress.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about simplicity and efficiency without sacrificing taste. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Quick Cooking Time: No need to simmer for hours! We utilize canned crushed tomatoes as the base, which already have a cooked-down consistency, drastically reducing the cooking time.
• Flavor Bomb Ingredients: While simple, the ingredients are carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor. Garlic, onions, and a touch of red pepper flakes provide a savory depth, while dried herbs and a hint of sugar balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touch with vegetables, meats, or additional spices.
• Pantry Staples: Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it a convenient choice for a last-minute meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze it for future weeknight dinners. It’s a lifesaver!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
3. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings.
4. Simmer and Develop Flavor: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
5. Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to suit your preferences.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spaghetti sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your spaghetti sauce turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic can ruin the entire sauce. Keep a close eye on it while sautéing and reduce the heat if necessary.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering allows the flavors to meld together slowly and evenly. Boiling can make the sauce too thick and potentially scorch it.
• Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Every palate is different!
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
• Add Meat: For a heartier sauce, brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey before adding the vegetables. Drain off any excess grease before adding the tomatoes.
• Use High-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes will greatly affect the flavor of the sauce. Opt for good-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best results.
• Spice it Up: If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Sweeten it Up: A teaspoon of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer a more savory one.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the sauce. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking time.

Storage Instructions

This spaghetti sauce can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Refrigerator: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the containers as the sauce will expand when frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator overnight or place the container in a bowl of cold water. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 4-5 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop them before adding them to the sauce. You may need to simmer the sauce for a longer time to reduce the liquid and develop the flavor.

Q: Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I add wine to this sauce?

A: Yes, adding a splash of red wine can enhance the flavor of the sauce. Add about 1/2 cup of dry red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the alcohol before adding the tomatoes.

Q: What kind of pasta is best with this sauce?

A: This sauce is versatile and pairs well with most types of pasta, including spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and farfalle. Choose your favorite!

Q: Can I make this sauce vegetarian/vegan?

A: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring that any additions (like vegetables or herbs) are also vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy spaghetti sauce recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature spaghetti sauce. So, ditch the jarred sauce and whip up a batch of this homemade goodness. Your family will thank you!