Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce
Pioneer Woman’s Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, comforting tomato-based sauce featuring savory tomatoes, sweet onions, fragrant garlic, and Italian herbs. Simple to prepare yet deeply flavorful, this versatile and family-friendly sauce can be customized to suit any palate, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed or diced tomatoes (preferably canned, such as San Marzano)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional, for stirring in at the end)
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients and create the sauce base.
- Simmer and develop flavors: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- Finish with fresh basil: Just before serving, tear fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce to add a fresh, aromatic brightness.
Notes
- Use quality tomatoes like San Marzano or other good-quality canned tomatoes for the richest flavor.
- Do not rush the simmering process; slow cooking deepens the sauce’s flavor and improves texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually throughout cooking to achieve the perfect balance.
- Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for the freshest aroma and flavor.
- Stir in fresh herbs at the end to keep their flavor vibrant and avoid bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pioneer Woman, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, Italian sauce, homemade pasta sauce, simple sauce, family-friendly, gluten free