Canned Spaghetti Sauce

$This savory canned spaghetti sauce is both simple and delicious. You can make it in about 35 minutes. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. To make this tasty sauce, you will need: - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried basil - 1 teaspoon of sugar - ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - ¼ cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped - ¼ cup of fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 bay leaf When choosing your ingredients, I recommend using high-quality brands for the best flavor. For crushed tomatoes, look for brands like San Marzano or Muir Glen. For tomato paste, Contadina is a great option. Fresh herbs can often be found at local farmers' markets, which ensures they are fresh and full of flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste in your sauce. To create your canned spaghetti sauce, start with a clean kitchen. Gather all your ingredients. First, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute. This step brings out the garlic's great smell. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir until everything mixes well. Add in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir again to blend the spices into the sauce. Toss in the bay leaf and raise the heat until it simmers. Then, lower the heat and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking. After this time, the sauce should thicken nicely. Finally, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley and basil. This adds brightness and freshness to your sauce. Taste it. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Your sauce is now ready! Using visuals can make cooking easier. Picture the shimmering oil in the pan before adding onions. Imagine the vibrant colors of the crushed tomatoes mixing with the onion and garlic. You want a thick, rich sauce at the end. Check the texture as it simmers. If you want to share your cooking journey, snap a few pictures while you cook! It’s fun to see the process and share with friends. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cooking Time: 25 minutes - Total Time: 35 minutes This timeline helps you plan your meal. In just over half an hour, you can create a delicious sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a simple and tasty dinner. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To make your sauce thick and rich, let it simmer. Simmering helps reduce liquid. Keep the heat low to let flavors blend well. Stir often to avoid burning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. A bit of olive oil can also help. To enhance flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Fresh basil and parsley bring brightness. You can also add a dash of balsamic vinegar for depth. If you like heat, toss in more red pepper flakes. A splash of red wine can add richness too. One mistake is not cooking the onions enough. They should be soft and sweet. Avoid adding salt too early; it can make the tomatoes tough. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. Lastly, taste your sauce before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed. For a full experience, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily change up your canned spaghetti sauce based on the season. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas. Summer favorites like zucchini or bell peppers can add great texture. In fall, consider stirring in roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for a cozy twist. Winter is perfect for hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. These swaps keep your sauce fresh and exciting. Making your sauce gluten-free is simple. Just check your canned goods for gluten-free labels. You can also swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. For a vegan version, skip the cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you decide to add one. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal. Canned spaghetti sauce isn’t just for pasta. You can use it in many dishes! Try it on pizza or as a base for a hearty vegetable stew. You can even use it for stuffed peppers or in a lasagna. Mix it with meat for a quick meatball sub. The options are endless! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for inspiration. After you cook your spaghetti sauce, let it cool. Transfer it to a clean, airtight container. This helps keep your sauce fresh. Store the sauce in the fridge. Use it within four to five days for the best taste. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a better option. Unopened canned spaghetti sauce lasts a long time. Typically, it can stay good for one to two years. Check the can for a "best by" date. Once you open it, the sauce lasts about five to seven days in the fridge. Always smell the sauce before using it. If it smells off, toss it out. Freezing is a great way to save leftover sauce. Pour your cooled sauce into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to six months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to ensure even heating. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce whenever you like! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. Some top brands are Rao's, Prego, and Hunt's. Rao's has a rich taste. Prego offers many flavors. Hunt's is known for its budget-friendly options. Each brand has unique flavors. Try a few to find your favorite! Once you open canned spaghetti sauce, keep it in the fridge. Use it within 5 to 7 days. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. If you don't use it soon, freeze it! Yes! Canned spaghetti sauce is very versatile. Use it in casseroles, meatloaf, or as a pizza sauce. You can even use it in soups or stews. It adds great flavor to many dishes! You can easily boost the flavor of canned sauce. Here are some tips: - Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. - Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil first. - Mix in red pepper flakes for some heat. - Add a splash of red wine for depth. - Stir in grated cheese for richness. These simple steps will make your sauce taste homemade. For a full recipe, check the savory canned spaghetti sauce with fresh herbs. Enjoy your cooking! This post explored how to choose, cook, and enjoy canned spaghetti sauce. We covered a full recipe overview, a detailed list of ingredients, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about common mistakes and seasonal swaps to make the dish your own. In the end, mastering these steps and tips helps you create easy, tasty meals. Your journey in cooking can lead to many delicious discoveries. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Elevate your pasta game with this savory canned spaghetti sauce bursting with fresh herbs! Made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and a blend of aromatic spices, this easy recipe promises rich flavors in just 35 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep staple, try this delicious sauce over your favorite pasta for a satisfying experience. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!

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Ingredients

2 cans (14.5 oz each) of crushed tomatoes

1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 teaspoon of dried basil

1 teaspoon of sugar

½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons of olive oil

¼ cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped

¼ cup of fresh basil, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but making sure not to let it burn.

Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined into a homogenous sauce.

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Toss in the bay leaf and raise the heat slightly to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

When the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly chopped parsley and basil, allowing their delightful aromas to infuse the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.

Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf from the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the rich sauce generously over your favorite pasta of choice. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional fresh herbs and a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for a flavorful finish. Enjoy!