The Best Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Looking for the ultimate homemade spaghetti sauce? This easy recipe combines ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for pasta. With a blend of spices like oregano, basil, and Worcestershire sauce, this spaghetti sauce delivers amazing depth of flavor every time. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or pizza, this recipe is a family favorite and ideal for meal prepping. Make this flavorful sauce today and enjoy a comforting homemade Italian meal!

This rich and hearty homemade spaghetti sauce is packed with flavor, thanks to a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and tomatoes. Perfect for pasta nights, this slow-cooked sauce can be simmered for hours to develop deep, savory flavors. Make it for a family dinner, or store it for future meals—either way, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• ¾ pound bulk Italian sausage
• 4 medium onions, finely chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cans (14 ½ ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Hot cooked spaghetti

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Instructions

1. Cook the Meat:
   In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onions, and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the meat is fully cooked, discard any excess fat if you prefer a leaner sauce.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
   Transfer the cooked meat mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, canola oil, minced parsley, basil, oregano, sage, marjoram, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Water:
   Pour in the ½ cup of water, stir, and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Slow Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. For a quicker option, you can cook on high for 4 hours.
5. Serve:
   Once the sauce has cooked and developed rich flavors, remove the bay leaves and serve the sauce hot over cooked spaghetti. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Lean Meat: For a leaner sauce, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef or sausage, or drain excess fat after browning the meat.
• Herb Freshness: If using dried herbs instead of fresh, reduce the amount by about half to prevent overpowering the sauce.
• Longer Cooking: The longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavors. If you have more time, you can extend the cooking time for even more richness.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef and sausage with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives for a hearty, vegetarian sauce.
• Extra Spice: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up!
• Different Meats: Feel free to swap in ground pork or veal for a different flavor profile.
• Tomato Variations: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for a smoother texture, if preferred.

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FAQs

1. Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, this spaghetti sauce freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, as the flavors continue to develop.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta, from classic spaghetti to penne or rigatoni.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for added richness.
• Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: A combination of beef, sausage, and spices creates a deeply flavorful sauce.
• Slow-Cooked Goodness: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a sauce that’s rich and savory.
• Versatile: Perfect for spaghetti, but also great with lasagna, meatballs, or even as a base for pizza.
• Family-Friendly: This sauce is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals.

Enjoy this comforting homemade spaghetti sauce with your loved ones, and experience the true taste of Italian cooking! 🍝