If you’ve ever craved a hearty, soul-warming pasta dinner that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, this Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe is your new best friend. Combining savory Italian sausage with rich tomato sauces and fragrant herbs, it elevates a classic spaghetti night into a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe balances robust taste and comforting textures with a kindly straightforward approach that anyone can follow. Once you try this sauce, it will become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to layer flavor, add texture, and give that gorgeous, home-cooked color we all love. From the aromatic onions to the balsamic vinegar that brings a subtle tang, every component plays a vital role in building a sauce that’s anything but ordinary.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing aromatics.
- Large onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian aroma.
- Crushed red pepper: Delivers a gentle heat that wakes up the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a warm, peppery kick.
- Garlic (smashed and minced): Infuses the sauce with its signature pungent sweetness.
- Mild Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed): Brings savory richness and meaty texture.
- Marinara sauce (28 oz can): Forms the hearty tomato base.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz can): Enhances the tomato flavor with a thicker texture.
- Water: Used to adjust consistency and capture every bit of flavor from the containers.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant acidity.
- Better Than Bouillon Beef Base: Boosts umami and deepens the overall taste.
- Dry spaghetti noodles (1 pound): The perfect vehicle to soak up all that saucy goodness.
- Kosher salt (for pasta water): Essential for seasoning noodles to perfection.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness at the finish.
- Parmesan cheese (optional for serving): Offers a nutty, creamy touch that melts beautifully over the dish.
How to Make Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion along with kosher salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Let these cook for about five minutes, allowing the onions to soften and release their sweet fragrance. This step builds the aromatic foundation that the sauce will rest on.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Now, introduce that irresistible garlic flavor by adding minced garlic to the pan. If your pan looks dry, drizzle a little more olive oil so the garlic doesn’t burn. Sauté for around one minute, just until you can smell the garlic’s aroma — it’s amazing how this small step makes everything taste richer!
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Next comes the star of the show: Italian sausage. Break the sausage into the pan using a wooden spoon, and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes until fully browned. If there’s too much fat accumulating and it feels too greasy, you can drain some off, but leaving a moderate amount adds wonderful flavor and moisture to your sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauces
Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes directly into the pot. There’s no need to drain the tomatoes; all that juice adds both liquid and intensity to your sauce. Turn the heat up slightly to bring everything to a gentle simmer, signaling the beginning of sauce magic.
Step 5: Incorporate Water and Seasonings
Scrape any tasty bits clinging to your sauce jars with a cup of water, then pour that water and the jar’s contents into your sauce pot—no flavor left behind! Add balsamic vinegar and Better Than Bouillon Beef Base, stirring to combine. These additions add a delightful complexity and umami depth that makes your sauce extra special.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Once your sauce bubbles, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Let it cook uncovered anywhere from ten minutes to half an hour; the longer, the thicker and richer your sauce will become. If it gets too thick for your liking, simply add water a quarter cup at a time. Whether you have time for a quick simmer or a slow cook, this sauce shines at every stage!
How to Serve Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your plate, scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley on top of the spaghetti. Fresh herbs brighten the rich flavors and add a lovely contrast in both color and taste. A generous grating of parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, lending a nutty, salty layer that complements the sausage and tomato beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf are also crowd-pleasers, perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce. For a heartier meal, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans add great texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch it up? Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb delight. You can also use the sauce as a filling in stuffed peppers or as a robust topping for baked polenta. No matter how you plate it, this Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for quick reheat meals during the busy week.
Freezing
This sauce freezes beautifully! Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe keeps well for up to three months without losing its hearty character.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen it up if it’s thickened too much. Reheating this sauce is just as satisfying as when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Swapping mild Italian sausage for spicy adds a bold kick that complements the sauce perfectly. Adjust the crushed red pepper to taste if you want to balance the heat.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Replace the sausage with plant-based Italian sausage or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for a meat-free version that still feels rich and satisfying.
Do I have to use balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tang, but if you don’t have it, a splash of red wine vinegar or even just a pinch of sugar can help mimic its effect.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Garlic cooks quickly and can burn if the pan is too hot or dry. Make sure to add olive oil before the garlic and sauté it on medium or medium-low heat until fragrant, typically about one minute.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! This sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich, flavorful meat sauce, and this Easy Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage Recipe nails it every single time. Whether you’re a novice home cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a joy to make and even more wonderful to eat. So ladle out some sauce, twirl those noodles, and share the love with family and friends — it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
