Put down that glass jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce and take a chance at making your own! Making your own meat sauce can be overwhelming, but it’s worth it when you see how much money you save, and it tastes ten times better. Try my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Learn how to make a perfect homemade spaghetti sauce recipe!

Spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, but have you ever thought about making it from scratch?

Rich, robust, and filled with layers of flavor, a well-made spaghetti sauce is not just a dish but a comforting hug served on a plate. Not to mention for many of us with bigger families, this is a dinner saver because we can make a lot of it at once!

The trick to a good homemade spaghetti sauce is to take your time with it. Letting it simmer for a while – that’s where the magic happens!

And did I mention it’s so easy to make? No fancy ingredients or special tools are required, just simple pantry staples, which makes this recipe more budget-friendly.

So why not give it a try and elevate your spaghetti game with this delicious homemade sauce? Trust me; you won’t regret it!

Ingredients needed to make spaghetti meat sauce

Everything you need to make a delicious spaghetti meat sauce is easy to find!

Here’s a list of everything you will need to make this recipe…

Tomato Sauce: The star of the show! Using good quality tomato sauce is essential for a rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce. You can use a smooth tomato sauce or a can of crushed tomatoes if you like your sauce to have a bit of texture. You’ll need 28 oz.
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef is perfect for this recipe. You can also use a combination of ground beef and pork for even more flavor!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for any good spaghetti sauce. It adds a slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomato sauce. You’ll need about 3-4 cloves.
Ketchup: A surprising ingredient to some, adding a bit of ketchup helps balance the acidity and sweetness of the tomato sauce. You don’t need much, though – a 1/3 cup is plenty!
Sugar: Just a teaspoon of sugar can help round out the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Oregano & Basil: Dried oregano and basil add a herby punch to the sauce – perfect for pairing with the garlic and tomato.
Salt & Pepper: A must!
Parsley: Fresh parsley is a classic Italian herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley.
Spaghetti Pasta: Of course, you can’t have spaghetti sauce without the spaghetti! Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Feel free to cook up your favorite pasta shape.

Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.

Kitchen equipment needed

Large Stock Pot
Saucepan
Wooden Spoon (or Spatula)

Tips for making the best spaghetti sauce

Brown the meat first – Start by browning your ground beef in a large stockpot. This will help develop a deep flavor and add some texture to the sauce.
Use San Marzano tomatoes – For the best flavor, I like to use San Marzano or Muir Glen canned tomatoes. They have a rich and robust flavor that is perfect for spaghetti sauce. Use a combination of sauce and petite diced tomatoes for a heartier dish.
Let it simmer – The longer you simmer your sauce, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 20 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
Add fresh herbs at the end – Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving will give your sauce a bright, fresh flavor.
Don’t forget the cheese – A sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino romano on top adds a salty, savory finish to your spaghetti sauce.
Add Hearty Sides – Serve spaghetti with buttered French bread or a Caesar salad, or both!

spaghetti sauce recipe with noodles and bread

How to serve homemade spaghetti sauce recipe

Once you have your perfect spaghetti meat sauce ready, it’s time to serve!

You can always go for the classic and always delicious way to serve spaghetti meat sauce – simply pour it on top of al dente cooked spaghetti for a comforting and satisfying meal.

For an unexpected twist, use your spaghetti meat sauce as a dipping sauce for cheesy garlic bread or even mozzarella sticks!

Or, make a delicious lasagna by layering your spaghetti meat sauce with lasagna noodles and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown – perfect for feeding a crowd.

You can also use your homemade spaghetti sauce as the base for a delicious homemade pizza. Top with mozzarella, olives, peppers, or any of your favorite toppings!

How to store and reheat spaghetti sauce with ground beef

Now that your delicious spaghetti sauce is ready, you may have some leftovers that you want to save for another meal.

The best way to store spaghetti meat sauce is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight if frozen and then heat on low on the stove until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quick meal!

Frequently asked questions about easy spaghetti sauce

Whenever I share this recipe, I get some of the same questions. Here are the most popular ones that people ask!

If you have a question not listed here, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll answer it as soon as possible. Thank you!

Can I make this spaghetti sauce recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can brown the ground beef and garlic in a pan first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with all of the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How can I make this spaghetti sauce vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef. You can also add more veggies like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms for added flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes for this recipe. Chop them up and add them to the pan with the ground beef and garlic. Cook until they soften, then continue with the rest of the recipe as written.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this spaghetti sauce recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta. Double-check the ingredients on any canned products used, such as tomato sauce and ketchup, to make sure they are also gluten-free.

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