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Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce

Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce
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Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and comforting homemade tomato sauce bursting with authentic Italian herbs and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Easy to prepare with pantry staples and versatile for multiple dishes, this sauce simmers to perfection in just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound ground beef or other ground meat
  • Additional vegetables for vegetarian version: mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers (to taste)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional, for stirring in or garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step creates the flavorful base of the sauce.
  2. Brown the Meat (Optional): If using ground meat, add it to the pan now. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
  5. Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to preference.

Notes

  • Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes cooked down thoroughly for best flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to develop deeper, richer flavors and a thicker texture.
  • Don’t skip the brown sugar—it balances tomato acidity without making the sauce sweet.
  • Fresh garlic and herbs brighten and enhance the sauce’s flavor.
  • The sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded further.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti sauce, Italian sauce, homemade pasta sauce, tomato sauce, Pioneer Woman recipe, easy dinner sauce, weeknight meal, versatile sauce

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/pioneer-womans-spaghetti-sauce/