Timeless Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Timeless Tomato Spaghetti Sauce is your go-to for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a staple in any kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients for Timeless Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil provides a rich, fruity base that starts the sauce off with depth. Onion adds sweetness and a savory note, while garlic gives it a warm, aromatic kick. The heart of the sauce is the crushed tomatoes, offering a rich, tangy flavor, complemented by the concentrated taste of tomato paste. A hint of sugar balances the acidity, while dried basil and oregano bring that classic Italian essence. A touch of salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors. Water helps achieve the perfect consistency, and just before serving, Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, umami-rich finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
  • For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for an extra 15 minutes.
  • Fresh basil can be added at the end for a vibrant flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is perfect over al dente spaghetti, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It also makes a great base for lasagna or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them first. The flavor may be lighter, and the cooking time might increase.
How long does the sauce keep?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. If you need it to be vegan, simply omit the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Timeless Tomato Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it turns translucent, which should take about five minutes. This step is crucial for building a sweet and savory base.

Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for just about a minute until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir them together until they're well combined. This mixture will be the heart of your sauce, so make sure everything is nicely integrated.

Add the sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. The sugar will help counteract the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a balanced sauce.

Pour in the water to loosen the sauce a bit. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat and let it bubble away slowly for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Just before serving, stir in the Parmesan cheese. This will add a creamy depth to your sauce, making it irresistibly rich.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Rich, robust flavor from a perfect blend of spices.
  • Versatile enough to pair with any pasta or even as a base for other dishes.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
5. Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!