There’s nothing quite like a hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce simmered for hours, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. This classic sauce, made with ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices, is the perfect addition to your favorite pasta dish. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this slow-cooked spaghetti sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spaghetti sauce is full of rich, savory flavors, thanks to the combination of meats, fresh herbs, and seasonings. It’s:
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of ground beef and Italian sausage makes this sauce extra hearty and satisfying.
- Slow-Cooked for Maximum Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, deep taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy weeknight dinners.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is perfect for anyone who enjoys a comforting, flavorful meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, this slow-cooker recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. It’s also ideal for those who love to meal prep, as this sauce stores beautifully.
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 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 pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Hot cooked spaghetti, for serving
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or skillet
- Slow cooker (5 qt or larger)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat, cook the 2 pounds of ground beef, ¾ pound Italian sausage, 4 finely chopped onions, and 8 minced garlic cloves together. Cook until the meat is fully browned and there is no pink remaining, about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Once the meat mixture is cooked, drain any excess fat to make the sauce leaner if desired.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the 4 cans of diced tomatoes (undrained), 4 cans of tomato paste, ½ cup water, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon canola oil, and all the spices: parsley, basil, oregano, bay leaves, sage, marjoram, pepper, and salt to taste.
3. Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover the slow cooker and cook the sauce on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. The slow cooking process will help all the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, robust sauce.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Once the sauce is finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve the sauce over hot cooked spaghetti and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Make It Leaner: Drain off any excess fat after cooking the ground beef and sausage for a leaner sauce.
- Simmer on the Stove: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simmer the sauce on the stove for 2-3 hours on low heat. Just be sure to stir it occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or let the sauce simmer uncovered during the last hour of cooking.
- Freeze for Later: This sauce freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
