This homemade chunky Italian spaghetti sauce is bursting with flavor and will transport you to Italy with each bite. Made with fresh ingredients and a blend of herbs and spices, this sauce is perfect for your favorite pasta dish. It's hearty, rich, and delicious, making it the ultimate comfort food. Prepare this sauce in just under an hour and serve it with spaghetti for a traditional Italian meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the chunky Italian spaghetti sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
