130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This 130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce is a timeless classic that brings rich, authentic flavors to your dinner table. Easy to make and deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for family meals or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Step 4: Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Step 6: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Step 7: Toss the sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti or serve it on top for a delicious meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for an even fresher flavor.
- Simmer the sauce longer to deepen the taste.
- Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes to enhance richness.
- Try adding shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to cook them longer to break them down into a sauce. Blanching and peeling the tomatoes first helps create a smoother texture.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. This sauce freezes well and retains its flavor. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print130-Year-Old Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
A timeless 130-year-old Italian spaghetti sauce recipe that combines crushed tomatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic with classic herbs for a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for family dinners and gatherings. This easy-to-make sauce simmers gently to meld traditional Italian flavors and can be served over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot, stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic for a harmonious base.
- Season: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir to evenly distribute the herbs and seasonings throughout the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; this slow simmer will deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is thicker than desired, add a little water to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
- Serve: Toss freshly cooked spaghetti with the sauce or spoon it generously on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor of this classic Italian sauce.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use fresh herbs like garden-fresh basil instead of dried.
- Simmer the sauce longer if time allows to develop even richer flavors.
- Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes to ensure the best taste.
- Consider incorporating finely chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally for best results.
Keywords: Italian spaghetti sauce, classic Italian sauce, homemade spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, easy Italian sauce, vegetarian spaghetti sauce

