DIY Freezer Spaghetti Sauce: Perfect for Weeknights

Weeknights can be hectic, and coming up with a quick and delicious dinner can sometimes feel like a daunting task. That’s where the beauty of DIY freezer spaghetti sauce comes in! By making a big batch of this versatile sauce ahead of time, you can have a tasty and stress-free meal ready to go whenever you need it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any excess vegetables or herbs you have lying around in your kitchen.

Not only is this homemade spaghetti sauce much healthier than the store-bought version, but it also allows you to control the flavors and adjust the seasoning to your liking. And the best part? It’s super easy to make and lasts for months in the freezer, ready to be defrosted and served over your favorite pasta at a moment’s notice.

Here’s a simple and delicious DIY freezer spaghetti sauce recipe that will make dinner time a breeze:

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional)
– 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they’re soft and translucent.

2. If using, add the ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

To serve, simply defrost the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in a pot on the stove. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, and serve the hot sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

With this DIY freezer spaghetti sauce on hand, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner on busy weeknights again. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to enjoy a homemade Italian meal without all the hassle. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be glad you did!