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Best Ever Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce that works with beef, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • large sauce pot
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb hot sausage omit for vegetarian version
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms buttons, shiitake, or baby bellas, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 2 tsp sugar raw or granulated
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 box MorningStar Farms sausage patties for vegetarian/vegan option; shred and add to sauce

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • If using meat: add ground beef and hot sausage and brown, breaking up with a spoon, until no pink remains; drain excess fat if needed.
  • If making the vegetarian version: skip browning meat and proceed to the next step to cook the vegetables in oil.
  • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the pot or skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and mushrooms are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Transfer the browned meat and vegetables to a large sauce pot (or if you browned meat in the pot, keep them there).
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste; stir to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through and flavors meld, at least 20–30 minutes; add water as needed to reach desired thickness.
  • For the vegetarian/vegan option: shred the MorningStar Farms sausage patties and stir them into the simmering sauce until heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve over cooked pasta.

Notes

  • Brown meat until no pink remains for best texture.
  • Chop onions and garlic finely for even flavor distribution.
  • Use high-quality tomatoes and paste for best flavor.
  • Longer simmering deepens flavor.
  • Add water or broth to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.