Quick, Simple Spaghetti Sauce

This quick spaghetti sauce is a weeknight lifesaver, delivering rich, home-style Italian flavor in under 40 minutes. It features a savory blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic vegetables like onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity, while fennel seeds add a subtle, authentic warmth. Perfectly vegan and incredibly satisfying, this sauce clings beautifully to pasta. It&# 226;ÂÂs an easy, comforting meal that feels homemade without the fuss, ideal for busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious.

Cooking Method: Braising, Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 442.0

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This quick spaghetti sauce is a weeknight lifesaver, delivering rich, home-style Italian flavor in under 40 minutes. It features a savory blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic vegetables like onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity, while fennel seeds add a subtle, authentic warmth. Perfectly vegan and incredibly satisfying, this sauce clings beautifully to pasta. It&# 226;ÂÂs an easy, comforting meal that feels homemade without the fuss, ideal for busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

15 oz cans crushed tomatoes
15 oz can tomato sauce
15 oz can tomato paste
1/2 cup green bell pepper, minced
1/2 cup onion, minced
1/2 cup mushrooms, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried herbs (basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning)

Directions

1
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
3
Add minced green bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms to the pan.
4
Cook vegetables, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, and fennel seeds.
6
Add dried herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
8
Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
9
Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 442.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 50.0g77%
Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.0g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap mushrooms for zucchini or carrots. For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine during the simmering stage.

Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in fresh basil just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce.

Keywords: spaghetti sauce, quick pasta sauce, vegan tomato sauce, easy italian sauce, homemade marinara, weeknight dinner, plant based, tomato sauce recipe, pasta sauce, vegetable sauce, simple cooking, fennel seed sauce, budget friendly, comfort food

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/quick-simple-spaghetti-sauce/