Name: 130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups crushed tomatoes; 1 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

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Introduction

This 130-year-old Italian spaghetti sauce recipe is a timeless classic that brings authentic flavors to your table. It blends simple ingredients into a rich, savory sauce perfect for your favorite pasta dishes.

A white bowl is filled with a single layer of cooked spaghetti, pale yellow in color and slightly glossy. On top is a thick, rich layer of red tomato meat sauce, with visible chunks of ground beef and finely chopped vegetables, giving the sauce a textured, hearty look. The sauce is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs at the center, adding a touch of fresh color. The white marbled surface around the bowl highlights the dish’s warm and inviting colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, taking care not to let it burn.
Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 8: Serve the sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti or toss the pasta directly in the sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce.
Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter herb taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the broth (if used) is vegetable-based or omit it completely.

Storage

Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a serving of spaghetti pasta, with smooth, yellow strands forming the base layer. On top, there is a thick layer of rich, dark red meat sauce with small chunks of ground meat, spread evenly over the noodles. The sauce is garnished with small green parsley bits sprinkled in the center. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but they will need to be peeled, seeded, and crushed before cooking. The sauce might take a little longer to thicken.

Is it possible to make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it in advance, store it refrigerated, and reheat before serving.