Better Than a Jar Spaghetti Sauce

Elevate your pasta game with this "Better Than a Jar Spaghetti Sauce" recipe—a robust, homemade sauce that will outshine any store-bought version. Made with savory ground Italian sausage or beef, aromatic garlic and onion, and a medley of canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sauce, this dish boasts layers of rich, comforting flavor. Dried oregano and basil bring classic Italian tastes to life, while a touch of sugar balances acidity and red pepper flakes add optional heat. Simmered to perfection for a deep, hearty flavor, this versatile sauce is perfect over al dente pasta or as a base for lasagna and baked ziti. Ready in under an hour, it’s a must-try for anyone craving the authentic taste of homemade spaghetti sauce.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 15 ounces tomato sauce (canned)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) to the pan and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly.

Step 7

Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a low simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes).

Step 10

Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Step 11

Serve immediately over cooked pasta of your choice, or use as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or other Italian-inspired dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1485.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1924.8

Total Fat 143.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 5589.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 75.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.0g	0%
Total Sugars 44.5g
Protein 86.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 274.6mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 3257.5mg	0%

*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: 66.5%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 15.6%