Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce is your ticket to a burst of flavor that transforms any meal into a comforting feast! Picture ripe tomatoes simmering with fragrant garlic, zesty bell peppers, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, all mingling together to create a sauce that’s rich and vibrant. With a splash of vegetable broth and a hint of balsamic vinegar for depth, this sauce is perfect for pasta nights or as a base for your favorite dishes. Get ready to savor the taste of homemade goodness, jarred and ready to elevate your culinary creations!
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Sauce
- Enjoy the rich, homemade flavor that beats store bought any day!
- Customize the spices and herbs to match your taste perfectly.
- Preserve the freshness of summer tomatoes for year-round enjoyment.
- Save money while creating a pantry staple that’s always ready.
- Feel proud knowing exactly what’s in your sauce no hidden ingredients!
Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather your ingredients and get ready for some delicious fun!
- Collect fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and your favorite herbs.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to cool.
- Dice the onions, garlic, and bell peppers into small pieces.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Peel the cooled tomatoes and chop them before adding to the pot.
- Add salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs like basil and oregano.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Give the sauce a taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace, and seal tightly.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes to ensure safety.
- Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
- Open a jar whenever you crave a taste of homemade goodness!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Condiment |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 1 hour |
| Total Time: | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 6-8 jars |
| Best Served: | Pasta, Pizza, or as a dip |
Ingredients
- Tomatoes – the base of your sauce, choose ripe and flavorful varieties.
- Olive Oil – adds richness and depth; use extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Garlic – enhances the aroma and taste; fresh is best for maximum impact.
- Onion – provides sweetness and complexity; sauté until translucent for the best results.
- Bell Peppers – adds sweetness and color; any variety works well.
- Carrots – naturally sweetens the sauce; finely chop or grate for even distribution.
- Italian Seasoning – a blend of herbs that brings classic flavor; adjust to your taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – adds a kick; use sparingly if you prefer milder sauce.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors; add gradually to taste.
- Black Pepper – adds warmth and depth; freshly ground is ideal.
- Sugar – balances acidity; a small amount can make a big difference.
- Vinegar – brightens the sauce; balsamic or apple cider are great choices.
- Vegetable Broth – adds depth and richness; use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Spaghetti Sauce
Gather your ingredients and get ready for some delicious fun!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and your favorite herbs.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and remove the stems.
Step 3: Blanch and Peel
Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to cool.
Step 4: Chop the Veggies
Dice the onions, garlic, and bell peppers into small pieces.
Step 5: Cook the Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
Step 6: Add the Tomatoes
Peel the cooled tomatoes and chop them before adding to the pot.
Step 7: Season It Up
Add salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs like basil and oregano.
Step 8: Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 10: Can the Sauce
Pour the hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace, and seal tightly.
Step 11: Process the Jars
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes to ensure safety.
Step 12: Cool and Store
Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Step 13: Enjoy Your Creation!
Open a jar whenever you crave a taste of homemade goodness!
“Looking for more hearty and easy-to-make dinner options? Explore more dinner ideas here that are low-carb and full of flavor.”
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
•Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. They make a world of difference!
•Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if your sauce tastes too tart.
•Experiment with herbs like basil and oregano; fresh herbs can elevate the taste.
•Consider using vegetable broth instead of water for a richer base.
•Let your sauce simmer longer for deeper flavors; patience pays off!
How to Serve
Enjoy your homemade canned spaghetti sauce in a variety of delicious ways:
- Serve over al dente spaghetti for a classic dish.
- Use as a base for a hearty lasagna layered with ricotta and mozzarella.
- Top baked potatoes with sauce and shredded cheese for a comforting meal.
- Mix with cooked quinoa for a healthy grain bowl.
- Spread on toasted baguette slices for a tasty bruschetta appetizer.
- Stir into vegetable soup for an extra flavor kick.
- Pair with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner.
- Use as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or breadsticks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing.
• Use airtight containers to prevent spoilage.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.
• Portion out servings for easy thawing later.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be a great choice. Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding to your sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they break down properly.
How long can I store my homemade canned spaghetti sauce?
Your homemade canned spaghetti sauce can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using.
What can I use instead of sugar to balance the acidity?
If you prefer not to use sugar, consider adding a grated carrot or a splash of honey. Both options can help mellow the acidity without overpowering the sauce’s flavor.
Can I freeze the spaghetti sauce instead of canning it?
Yes, freezing is a great alternative! Just let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can last up to six months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
There you have it your very own homemade canned spaghetti sauce! It’s a delightful way to capture the essence of home cooked meals and share them with loved ones. So, grab a jar, twirl some pasta, and savor the rich flavors that come from your kitchen. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding, so enjoy every bite and the memories you create along the way!
