Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Growing up, we rarely used jarred tomato sauce because we always made our own homemade spaghetti sauce. Because I was young, I never thought anything of it. But when I had pasta at a friend’s house and they used jarred sauce, I never liked it much. My dad was generally the one who always made our sauce; it was one of his favorite things to do on Sunday afternoons.

This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe was passed down from my Sicilian grandma. It has been used for generations and you can’t mess it up! It is really easy and tastes SO much better than the store-bought sauce. You can do this in a crockpot too – in fact, it is one of our favorite dump recipes.

If you plan to can this sauce, omit the Parmesan cheese and add that when you warm up the sauce before eating. We often add ground beef or Italian sausage to it as well (the one pictured has ground beef in it). This just makes it that much better!

If you love this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, you will love some of our other Italian recipes:

In fact, you can find many of these recipes in our ALDI Meal Plans, where we teach you how to make 20 meals for under $160 in under 3 hours!

NOTE: If using fresh tomatoes:

You can make this sauce with either cans of crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, you would need about 12-15 medium-sized tomatoes. There is definitely more work involved when using fresh tomatoes, but it is worth it!

First, you will need to get the skins off. The easiest method for this is to score the skins with a sharp knife, and then boil them for about a minute and then place in cold water. You will want to do this in batches.

Once the tomatoes have cooled, the skins should peel off relatively easily. Then chop them up, and blend in a food processor. You can control how chunky or smooth you want the sauce by how long you blend them for.

Once this step is done, follow the rest of the recipe using the tomatoes you just prepared as the crushed tomatoes. We hope you enjoy it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce is a cherished family recipe that brings the authentic taste of Sicily to your kitchen. It’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and far superior to any store-bought alternative. Plus, it’s versatile – you can make it in a crockpot or even customize it with your favorite meats.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large stockpot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Food processor (if using fresh tomatoes)

Ingredients

• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 1/2 cups water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large stockpot on low-medium heat, add your olive oil and sauté your onions for about 4 minutes.
2. Add your crushed garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer.
3. Add your water and tomato products. Be sure to mix everything very well.
4. Add in your spices and cheese, then cover and cook for 2 1/2 hours.
5. Add in your wine and cook for 30 minutes longer. The sauce will be thin on the first day, but it thickens beautifully overnight.

Tips for Success

• For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes to your desired consistency.
• If you prefer a meatier sauce, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage.
• Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Additional Tips and Variations

If you’re using fresh tomatoes, remember that removing the skins is crucial for a smooth sauce. You can also experiment with adding different herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This sauce is rich in antioxidants and vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs. It’s a healthy and flavorful addition to your pasta dishes, especially when made without added meats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Just remember that fresh herbs are less potent, so you might need to use more.

How can I make this sauce vegan? Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, the flavors develop even more if you make it a day in advance.

Conclusion

This Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. We invite you to try it out and bring a taste of Sicily to your home. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try!