I remember the days of tossing watery jarred sauce over noodles and calling it dinner. This easy spaghetti sauce upgrades a store bought marinara into a rich meal. Growing up, weeknight pasta was a staple, but it always lacked deep flavor.
I started adding simple pantry staples to upgrade the basic jar, and my family noticed the difference right away. Now, this easy spaghetti sauce is our go to busy night meal. It comes together in 30 minutes, tastes like it simmered all day, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. While this is our favorite weeknight meal, we also love switching things up with this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti or this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Gathering the right items makes all the difference. I always keep these staples on hand for a fast weeknight meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – My preference is a fresh jar for the best taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons) – I usually use jarred garlic to save time
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, bulk – I recommend mild pork sausage for ideal fat content
- 28 ounce can marinara sauce
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
- 1 pound dry spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt, to season water
- Fresh basil or parsley, to garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend prepping your vegetables before turning on the stove to keep the process smooth.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Saute for 5 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, adding a splash of oil if the pan looks dry to prevent burning.
Step 3: Stir in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes with their juice. Increase the heat to medium high until it reaches a simmer.
Step 5: Add the water, balsamic vinegar, and beef base. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 10 to 30 minutes.
Step 6: About 10 minutes before eating, boil the spaghetti in heavily salted water. I usually salt it until it tastes like the ocean. Cook the noodles for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Do not overcook. Drain, toss with olive oil, and top with the hot sauce.
What to Serve with Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Balancing the rich savory flavors of this pasta dish requires the right pairings.
Greek Chicken Bowls: A bright fresh side dish that cuts through the rich pork sausage and adds a nice acidity to your plate.
Green Bean Casserole: Adding a green vegetable brings a tender crunch and classic comfort to your dinner table.
Creamy Sausage Potato Soup: Starting the meal with a warm hearty soup sets a cozy tone for the evening.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo: A great alternative side if you want an extra cheesy and comforting bite alongside your noodles.
Chicken Alfredo Recipe: If you want to offer a creamy white sauce option for picky eaters who might not want red sauce.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover sauce in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Using glass prevents tough tomato stains on your plastic containers.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring in a splash of water to thin it out. Pro tip: This recipe doubles beautifully. Freeze extra portions in ziplock bags for up to 6 months for a future effortless dinner.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, but I recommend adding an extra teaspoon of Italian seasoning to replace the lost flavor from the pre seasoned pork sausage.
Do I have to use the balsamic vinegar?
The vinegar adds a subtle depth of flavor, but if you do not have it, you can leave it out or use a splash of red wine vinegar instead.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce is ready whenever you are. A 10 minute simmer is fine, but letting it go for 20 to 30 minutes will give you a thicker and richer result.
Conclusion
You do not need hours to make a delicious family dinner. This easy spaghetti sauce proves that a few smart pantry upgrades can transform a basic weeknight staple into something truly special. Grab a jar of marinara and try this rewarding meal tonight.
Easy Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Saute for 5 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, adding a splash of oil if the pan looks dry to prevent burning.
- Stir in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes with their juice. Increase the heat to medium high until it reaches a simmer.
- Add the water, balsamic vinegar, and beef base. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 10 to 30 minutes.
- About 10 minutes before eating, boil the spaghetti in heavily salted water. Cook the noodles for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Do not overcook. Drain, toss with olive oil, and top with the hot sauce.
