There’s nothing quite like homemade spaghetti sauce made from scratch, simmered slowly to develop rich, deep flavors. This grandma’s old fashioned spaghetti sauce is a tried-and-true recipe, reminiscent of how Italian grandmothers used to make it. With a base of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs, this sauce is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or any Italian dish that calls for a delicious tomato sauce.
1. Grandma’s Old Fashioned Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (optional, or substitute with Italian sausage)
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (optional, for extra sauciness)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ cup red wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onions: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat (Optional)
Brown the ground beef (or sausage): If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pot and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Add the tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce (if using). Stir to combine everything well.
Optional: Add red wine: For extra depth of flavor, pour in ½ cup of red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add seasoning: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves.
Add sugar (optional): If your tomatoes are very acidic, you can add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot slightly, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Remove the bay leaves: After the sauce has simmered, be sure to remove the bay leaves.
Optional: Add fresh basil: Stir in the fresh basil right before serving for a burst of freshness.
Step 7: Serve
Serve over pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil if desired.
2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Low and Slow: The key to a rich, flavorful sauce is allowing it to simmer on low heat for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Adjust the Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Use Good Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes makes a big difference. Use San Marzano tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds depth and classic Italian flavor to the sauce. Be careful not to burn it, though, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Wine for Flavor: If you enjoy cooking with wine, the red wine adds a beautiful depth to the sauce. You can substitute it with broth or water if you prefer not to use wine.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce after it has simmered and adjust the seasoning as needed—sometimes a little more salt or a pinch of sugar can make all the difference.
3. Variations
Meat Sauce: Add ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both to make a hearty meat sauce. You can brown the meat along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: Add more red pepper flakes or even fresh chili peppers to create a spicy, fiery version of this sauce.
Veggie-Packed Sauce: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the onion and garlic for a veggie-loaded sauce. These vegetables will add natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
Mushroom Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy, umami-rich sauce.
4. What to Serve with Spaghetti Sauce
Pasta: This sauce pairs well with any type of pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gnocchi.
Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or homemade breadsticks to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette makes a perfect side dish.
Meatballs: Pair with classic Italian meatballs for a hearty, comforting meal.
5. Leftovers and Storage
Storing: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each.
This grandma’s old-fashioned homemade spaghetti sauce is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and comforting aroma, it’s the perfect complement to pasta, meatballs, or any Italian-inspired dish.
