I like to simmer the sauce for a bit and toss in some grated Parmesan cheese—it really brings it all together! You’ll feel like a chef in no time! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Sauce: Start with a jar of sauce you like. If you’re looking for something healthier, go for a brand with fewer preservatives or one that’s organic. You can also try a marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. If you don’t have one, shallots or even green onions can work as good substitutes without dramatically changing the taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too—just use it sparingly! A little goes a long way.
Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the sauce even more. If you have dried basil on hand, it’s fine too. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use less.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice touch of creaminess. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor When Cooking?
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, sautéing onions and garlic first is key. It helps release their natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step!
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—keep stirring to avoid burning!
After adding your sauce, let everything simmer gently. This process melds all the flavors together beautifully. For a finishing touch, stir in grated Parmesan just before serving to give it a creamy finish!
How to Make Jarred Spaghetti Sauce Taste Homemade
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine or vegetable broth (optional, for depth of flavor)
Time Estimate
This simple recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to simmer. So, you can have a delightful homemade-tasting spaghetti sauce ready in just about 30 minutes!
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn. You’ll love the fragrance that fills your kitchen!
2. Add the Spaghetti Sauce
Now it’s time to pour in the jar of your chosen spaghetti sauce. Give it a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors! Add the dried oregano, dried basil (or fresh if you have it), and the sugar if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Simmer for Flavor
If you want to deepen the sauce’s flavor, add in the red wine or vegetable broth at this stage. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer on low heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep everything well mixed and prevent sticking.
4. Final Touches
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a little more salt or pepper? Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the sauce. This adds a creamy texture and boosts the flavor even more!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Now your homemade-tasting spaghetti sauce is ready to go! Serve it warm over your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like it was made from scratch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Jarred Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’d like to use fresh tomatoes, you can crush about 3-4 medium tomatoes and simmer them with the onion and garlic. You might need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time to allow the sauce to thicken.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use any other cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. For a richer flavor, try using butter or even a splash of bacon grease if you have it!
How Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian if you skip any meats. Just make sure your jarred sauce is meat-free, and use vegetable broth instead of red wine if you’d like that extra depth of flavor!
