Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people all over the world. While making homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch can be time-consuming, there’s a way to make a delicious sauce using a semi-homemade approach. This semi-homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is easy to make and will have your family and friends raving about its rich and flavorful taste.

The key to this recipe is starting with a good-quality jar of marinara sauce. By adding a few extra ingredients and letting the sauce simmer, you can transform it into a savory and mouthwatering spaghetti sauce that will rival any homemade version.

Here’s the recipe for a delicious semi-homemade spaghetti sauce:

Ingredients:

– 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to cut the acidity of the sauce)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

3. Once the meat is fully cooked, pour in the jar of marinara sauce. Use a little bit of water to rinse out the inside of the jar and add it to the pot as well.

4. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), red wine (if using), salt, and pepper. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of sugar to cut the acidity.

5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Once the sauce is done simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Serve the spaghetti sauce over cooked pasta of your choice and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

This semi-homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Its rich and robust flavor will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen making it from scratch. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this sauce is a surefire way to impress your guests. Enjoy!