The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
The rich, delicious flavor of this homemade spaghetti sauce is nothing short of amazing! Tried-and-true, this spaghetti sauce recipe really is the best.
This has been my go-to spaghetti sauce for years. I make a batch, freeze half, and we have several meals to look forward to!
The flavor in this spaghetti sauce is out of this world delicious.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
This sauce begins by building levels of flavor.
First: throw a chopped onion and red pepper in a blender and process until mostly smooth.
Doing this gives the sauce loads of flavor with minimal texture (making it especially kid-friendly!).
Second: brown ground beef (or a combination of ground beef, ground pork, or ground sausage) with lots of garlic and add the following.
- tomato paste
- blended onion and red pepper
- dried basil, oregano and thyme
- salt and pepper
Cook that mixture until sizzling and fragrant.
Third: add the “saucy” ingredients and a few more ingredients for flavor.
- diced tomatoes
- crushed tomatoes
- beef broth or stock
- brown sugar
- bay leaves
A Boost of Flavor
Cook the sauce at a low simmer for about an hour. It will reduce and thicken as it cooks.
Also: your house is going to smell amazing!
When it’s done cooking, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Why? This balances out the sauce while adding a rich depth of flavor.
Slow Cooker Variation
This sauce can easily be made in a slow cooker for even easier prep!
Slow Cooker Instructions: cook the meat and garlic in a skillet on the stove. Drain the grease. Then add the cooked meat and everything else (minus the olive oil and balsamic vinegar) to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-6 or low for 7-9 hours. Stir in the balsamic vinegar about 15 minutes before serving.
A Family Favorite
This sauce has been our go-to homemade spaghetti sauce for over ten years. It’s perfect for spaghetti. But it can also be used for baked ziti, manicotti, and many other pasta dishes!
So many of you have become lifelong fans of this recipe as well.
Elizabeth says: This sauce is so good. I made everything exactly to a T. AMAZING!
Jorene says: I have been making this sauce for a couple years now. It truly is the best recipe. Everybody that eats it loves it. My sister asked for the recipe. That says a lot. I keep it in my freezer all the time.
Christy says: Omg! I haven’t made homemade sauce in over 20 years and I’m here to tell you that this is by far the best sauce I’ve ever tasted or made. Love it and wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you.
FAQ for Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Yes, it’s delicious meatless, too (you can also use it for spaghetti and meatballs – add cooked meatballs toward the end after the sauce has simmered and let the meatballs heat through in the sauce).
I haven’t canned this recipe, but here’s another option!
https://www.melskitchencafe.com/homemade-spaghetti-marinara-sauce-for-canning-or-freezing/
The flavor is a bit different than this homemade spaghetti sauce (in order for the sauce to be safe for canning), but it’s super tasty.
I simmer partially covered.
Yes I do that all the time!
What to Serve With This:
Hot, cooked spaghetti noodles
Divine breadsticks
Simple green salad (or something more fancy like this Gourmet Green Salad)
The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups onion, chopped and divided
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef or lean ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 (12-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 cans (14-ounces each) Italian-style diced tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (28-ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces button or baby bella mushrooms, chopped
- 1 ½ cups beef stock or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of the chopped onions, and sauté until translucent and slightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, and cook, stirring constantly for a minute or so.
- Add beef, and cook, breaking into small pieces, until it is no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- In a blender or food processor, blend remaining 1 cup onion and the red pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pot with the beef and onions.
- Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil and thyme, and cook for 1 minute, stirring until combined.
- Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, mushrooms (if using), beef broth, and sugar. Stir until combined before adding the bay leaves.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, and then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and let the sauce rest for 10-15 minutes (for the flavor to absorb) before serving.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Recipe originally published September 2016; updated September 2022 with additional photos, notes, etc (did not change the recipe).
Wow- this was SO incredible! I made it at 11 am this morning and actually threw it in the crockpot on low. The taste was fantastic and my kids asked for seconds which is a first. Thank you again! Another “winner” as my 5 year old says.
Melanie G – I love the crockpot trick and took that same tip from an earlier commenter. A lot of times I’ll freeze this sauce and then throw the frozen portion in the fridge overnight. The next morning when it is still frozen but thawed enough to chop into chunks, I throw it in the slow cooker and let it heat up for dinner. So glad you and the kids liked this!
This is the best sauce ever!!! I just made another double batch. I use Italian sausage instead of the hamburger and it tastes great! I put mine in quart canning jars and freeze it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Thanks, Patty – I’m so glad you like this recipe!
Stupid Question Alert!!! What exactly do you mean by “red pepper”? Is that a bell pepper? I’m just uncertain what kind of pepper is being referred to.
MeganM – not a stupid question! And yes, it is a red bell pepper.
Melanie!! have I told you lately that I love you?! seriously, you have SO MANY great recipes, and this is yet another one! I made this today, it literally filled up my large stock pot. It only took about 45 min to put it together, and then I let it simmer for about 2 hours. We ate it with spaghetti for dinner, and we ALL loved it, including my 4 year old son.
I’m so happy to have all of this homemade meat sauce to freeze!! I think I’m going to freeze two separate containers. One for lasagna in a couple of weeks, and maybe another for “cheaters lasagna” (frozen ravioli, cheese, and sauce layered together and baked) a couple of weeks after that!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this great recipe!!
Melanie – thank you! So glad you loved this recipe and am glad you are able to freeze some for future meals. That’s the best!
OH MY GOSH THIS IS FANTASTIC SAUCE!!! I have a friend who taught me how to make her sauce, her Italian mother-in-law passed it down to her, and this is just as good if not better!! Thanks so much for sharing.
Amy – wow, that’s high praise! I’m so glad this homemade sauce fit the bill for what you were looking for!
Can I use fresh tomatos instead of “CANNED TOMATOS”??
Zoe – absolutely. If you are familiar with cooking with them, by all means, go ahead! Just blanch, peel and use the equivalent of what is called for in canned tomatoes. Also, you’ll want to taste test to make sure the salt level is ok since you won’t get the added salt from the canned tomatoes.
AHHH~~ finally found the perfect Spaghetti Sauce. Thanks Mel
Hey Mel! Just tried this tonight and it was sooo good! I tried it with this awesome french bread recipe: http://dealstomeals.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post_09.html
It was great. I stuck it in a crockpot for 4 hours (after I sauteed the onions, garlic, and meat & peppers). Turned out fantastic. Thanks for the recipe!
Chavah – glad you liked this sauce and I’m definitely going to throw it in my crockpot next time I make it! I think that may be the next french bread recipe I try, too!
I’ve canned this sauce 3 times now…I just make a triple batch and then can it following the Ball’s blue book of canning directions for their meat sauce. It is quarts for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the pressure canner….and out of a triple batch i last got about 8 quarts. It takes a bit of work but it is so worth it to be able to dump it out of the jar and heat it up and already have the hamburger in it. Thanks again for the recipe!
Jessica – ok, your input on canning is invaluable! Thank you so much for including your tips. I’ve actually been wanting to can this sauce, too, but have been kind of nervous to try it. You have finally convinced me! Thank you so much!
Stephanie – it looks like Jessica answered both of our questions!
Mel-
I made this last night and love it. I would really like to can it. I’m a beginner (as in, I’ve never, ever canned), but I’m getting a canner. Would I be able to make this and can it in a pressure canner and store it for awhile? If you know anything about that, I’d love your input. Thanks for many wonderful recipes!
Thanks so much for this recipe. I’ve started making it in triple or more batches and canning it for food storage and it works out really well! I love your site and knowing that I can always find awesome, no fail recipes!
Jessica – you’ll have to give me your details on how you can this. I’ve never officially canned this sauce to put on my shelves but I would love to do that!
I just made this tonight. And WOW it was wonderful!! I think it is the best spaghetti sauce I have ever had!!! I only had 1/2 lb of hamburger on hand so that was all I used and I really liked it not too meaty. You always have such Yummy recipes! Thanks so much for this wonderful blog!!!!
Thanks, Anona! I’m thrilled you liked this spaghetti sauce recipe. Thanks for letting me know!
Hmm… I made this yesterday and thought it was good but I feel like I need to tweak it to suit our individual tastes…Hubby thought it had a lil’ too much oregano. It made a bunch so we’re having leftovers tonight and I plan to freeze the rest for a lasagna maybe at the end of the month. I will say that this is definitely better than my usual sauce so I plan to keep working with it until I love it! Thanks a bunch!
Kina – glad you can tailor it to your liking – that’s what I hoped with this recipe is that people would take it and run with it on their own. Thanks for letting me know!
Delicious! For variety, I took half the sauce and added about 1/2 cup heavy cream and some parmesan cheese. It makes a delicious, creamy and cheesy sauce. Then I let the kids choose what sauce they want. They love the creamy version as well as the original. Thanks. This is the first time I’ve made spaghetti sauce from scratch.
Alicia – wow, your changes sound decadent and amazing! I love the creamy version – that would have been my pick!
Thanks, Jenny! I’m so glad you liked this spaghetti sauce.
So I have been dying to make this recipie! When I started adding spices I just added everything else in… “Even the balsamic vinegar”!!!! I’m hoping after all that it turns out 🙂
Fantastic!!!! I have never been a huge spaghetti fan but with THIS SAUCE I’m converted! My hubby and kids LOVED it! Thank you!
Danielle – thanks for the tip about the crockpot. I’m really glad that your husband liked this so well!
Wow, Melanie! You weren’t exaggerating about perfection. My husband took one bite, looked at me and said,”New recipe?” After a few more bites he said this is even better than his favorite pasta place.
As a note, I had a crazy day so I made the sauce in the a.m. and simmered it in the crock pot all day. It was wonderful.
Kara – thanks for all of your comments on the posts you’ve tried. I’m glad this spaghetti sauce was a hit! Tell your 9-year old he/she is the smartest kid ever!
I made this sauce tonight, and my kids LOVED it. My 9 yr. old said it was the best spaghetti sauce ever! Huge complement to you! Thanks!
Kara
Barbi – thanks for letting me know you like this spaghetti sauce! I love the addition of sausage – I bet it really spiced things up and added great flavor. Thanks for letting me know!
Hi! I have made this spaghetti sauce twice now and it is so delicious! I have been telling everyone about it. This second time around I added 1 lb sausage and 1 lb hamburger- so good! I also love that we get 4 meals out of it. And- I made your breadsticks to go along with it. They were also yummy!
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your blog! 🙂
This was just wonderful and easy to make!! Very yummmmmy!! Thank you!
Anonymous – thank you for letting me know you liked this!
I made this yesterday. I really wasn’t thinking much when I started with a regular sized skillet. I moved up to a larger pot, then had to go up to an even bigger one by the end. It makes a TON!! I didn’t have any basil or bay leaves. It was still wonderful. I did add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it just a little kick. We had enough for supper last night. I froze enough for two more meals and put enough in the fridge to use on a pizza tonight and also had some for leftovers for lunch. I don’t think I’ll be buying jarred sauce again anytime soon! Thank you for a great recipe!
Julie – I’m glad you liked this! And I’m sorry you had to dirty so many skillets and pots to make this! At least the result was worth it, right?
Sally – I’m glad that you tried this and it was a hit with you and your husband. I am sorry it might mean more work for you, though, if you won’t be able to enjoy a restaurant now and then! 🙂 Thanks so much for letting me know.
This looks delicious! I’m going to go the store right now and get the ingredients! Thanks for posting…..
This is a delicious recipe! I love the addition of the red pepper/onion puree and the touch of balsamic vinegar at the end! This was a hit! Unfortunately, now my husband will insist on having spaghetti at home rather than going out to an Italian restaurant. This recipe made enough to freeze enough sauce for another meal. from Sally Walter
Candice Beth – I’ve made a few alfredo pizzas in my time but I’m afraid they are nothing fancy. If I come across a stellar recipe, I’ll let you know!
Yardley Crew – wow, thanks for the referrals! And thanks for letting me know you’ve liked a few recipes so far. Seriously, making family meals can be the pits sometimes so I’m glad that there are moms out there who can use some good ideas! Thanks for checking in.
Christy – I was looking forward to someone making this and letting me know what they thought. Thanks for being the first so far! I appreciate you letting me know you liked it.
This looks yummy! I’m on a search to find a GOOD Chicken Alfredo Pizza recipe! (i LOVE olive gardens) Any ideas?? 🙂
I recenly found you blog, and tried 3 of your recipes… all FABULOUS. Now all of our little town of Panguitch is finding out about you. You have many fans! Thanks for encouraging moms to try new things and be excited about it.
I came across your blog and love it! I made this tonight and my family couldn’t stop raving about it. Thank you so much for sharing this. It is a keeper!!!!
I’ve never made spaghetti sauce with balsamic vinegar. Sounds good.
I, too, cannot wait to make this recipe! It will have to wait for the weekend – I will let you know what the family says!
Laurie
Ooooohh-your sauce looks delicious!! I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Murphfam – glad you like the original spaghetti sauce. I’ve actually seen Giada de Laurentis do the butter thing and have never tried it, but I think I will next time based on your recommendation!
Jen – I use a large stockpot, probably a 6-quart pot.
Can’t wait to try your new version. I have been making your old version for the past year except with ground turkey and no wine. The other thing I always add to my spaghetti sauce (courtesy of giada delaurentis) is 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter..always seems to finish it off. Thanks for the great recipes!
I have a deep love for spaghetti… but I always use the sauce in a jar and just add stuff to it. I am really excited about trying this recipe the next time we have pasta. It looks amAAAzing!
i’m always looking for tips on skettie sauce, next time i make it, i’m trying this!
This looks great! Thank you.
Excellent. I was just thinking last night, “I wish I had a good spaghetti sauce recipe” when I bought the store stuff. Thanks, I’ll let you know how it goes!
I can’t wait to try this…without the meat…sounds yummy!
don’t lie–you’ll keep tweaking it. it’s human nature. 🙂
Finally a recipe that calls for tomato paste and actually uses the entire can. Not that I haven’t made some interesting things simply to use up leftover paste, but still. Very exciting.
That looks scrumptious! It’s definitely going to be my next batch.
this does look like an amazing sauce
oooooooooooo yummmmmmmmmmmmmy !
I have tried many sauce recipes and always looking for more. This is by far the best I have ever had. That little kick of balsamic at the end just did it. Thanks Mel. I am done looking for another recipe.
Awesome!
I don’t like mine spaghetti sauce tangy