Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce
Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, hearty, and comforting pasta sauce bursting with vibrant tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and subtle spices. Simple to prepare and versatile in use, it delivers slow-simmered Italian flavor with minimal effort, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 pound ground beef, sausage, or turkey (for meaty upgrade)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini (for vegetarian version)
- Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (for herbaceous twist)
- 1/4 cup red wine (for wine infusion)
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to form the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in canned crushed tomatoes, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly, combining all ingredients.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process thickens the sauce and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and modify salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Add any optional ingredients such as fresh herbs or cooked meats now. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Do not rush the simmering process to allow natural sweetness and herb flavors to develop.
- Always use fresh minced garlic instead of powders for vibrant aroma and taste.
- A pinch of brown sugar helps counteract tomato acidity without making the sauce sweet.
- Letting the sauce rest before serving enhances its flavor even more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spaghetti sauce, Pioneer Woman, tomato sauce, homemade pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, easy pasta sauce, gluten free sauce