Simple Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
This Simple Spaghetti Sauce will save the day, or at least dinner, when you run out of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
I’ve been working hard to get Mini Chef in the kitchen with me as much as possible lately. I want to inspire him and teach him confidence in the kitchen while he’s at an age where he’s interested in it. This sauce is a simple one. It uses basic herbs and spices and comes together very quickly. It’s a wonderful, quick, and easy pasta sauce for kids and adults alike to throw together on a busy weekday evening.
Typically, I measure out all the ingredients called for and put them in small, manageable containers before I let Mini Chef get to work. It takes some of the stress off of him as he learns and allows him to simply get caught up in the creative side of cooking without stressing out about whether or not he got the right measuring spoon. Once he starts learning math, I’ll start with the measuring spoons. But for now, I just want to make it fun for him. So the less complicated, the better.
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Simple Spaghetti Sauce
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Ingredients
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- 2 tbsp. dried basil
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a gentle boil. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, being sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Ladle over your cooked spaghetti and serve!
If you were to use fresh tomatoes instead of a jar of tomato sauce, how would the recipe change? About how many tomatoes would you use?
Natalie – I’m not sure. I haven’t tried. But you would have to cook the tomatoes first and make your blended sauce, and THEN proceed with the recipe. I’m hoping to try it this summer when tomatoes are in season.
Hi Everyone:
I have made sauce with fresh tomatoes before. I didn’t cook them but rather blanche them enough to get the skin off, then put them in a blender to liquify them. You can always cut them open to get the seeds out if they bother you but I’m too lazy for that step. The one thing I have never done for some reason (and I have absolutely no idea why) is use tomato sauce…I usually buy canned tomatoes and blend them to liquid and then add to the pan that I’ve sauteed chopped onions, garlic and parsley in. So much more work for the same result. LOL But have never tried adding balsamic vinegar or honey. Will have to try this version for sure.
Charlotte – Thanks for sharing that! Great tip!
Thanks so much for this recipe. I’ve been mostly clean for a couple years but haven’t made my own clean spaghetti sauce. Will definitely try this.
Sharon – Let me know how you like it! 🙂
Hi Tiffany, can this sauce be frozen?
Emily – Yes it can.
I was really happy to see this on the site. I am brand new to trying to eat clean! I would love to incorporate some veggies like diced tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, and onion to this. Would I just simply add this in as I combine the other ingredients? I like chunky saucy sauce. My kids really like spaghetti. Me not so much, so if I do eat it I like it to be full of flavor!
Barbara – Sure! You can do pretty much anything you want with this! Enjoy! 😀
This looks like a great recipie and I can’t wait to try it, but was wondering what could you use in place of balsamic vinegar? Thank you!!
Jorden – I’m not really sure that there is a substitute. There are a few clean Worcestershire sauces out there you could try, but you would have to look for it. I have gotten them at whole foods in the past. I believe one of the brand names is The Wizard.
Do you know how long it’ll keep? I’d love to make a big batch but don’t want it going bad before I can use it. Also, could you freeze it?
Bess – Mine kept pretty well for several weeks. But yes, you can certainly freeze this with no problem.
This sauce is delicious. I did make some adjustments – sauteed onion and fresh garlic then added everything else. I made a triple batch – used tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. For the water I did use the pasta water. Despite my changes, the basic recipe is delicious and very easy.
Deb – I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😀
Made this today and it is SO Good!!! I added shallots, garlic, onion, and ground turkey meat and served it over zucchini spirals. Definitely making this again!
Stacy – How wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😀