Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: A Shortcut to Flavor

Spaghetti is a classic family favorite and a go-to meal for busy weeknights. While making a homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch can be a labor of love, there is a quick and easy solution that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor. Semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is the perfect shortcut for busy cooks who want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Semi-homemade spaghetti sauce combines the convenience of store-bought marinara sauce with a few simple, fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor and make it taste like it came straight from the Italian grandmother’s kitchen. By adding some key ingredients and allowing the sauce to simmer and develop its flavors, you can transform a basic jar of marinara into a rich and flavorful sauce that tastes like it was made from scratch.

The great thing about semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is that you can customize it to your own taste. If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a meaty sauce, brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the sauce. The possibilities are endless, and you can make it your own with just a few simple tweaks.

Here’s a basic recipe for semi-homemade spaghetti sauce that you can customize to suit your taste:

Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:
– 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
– Optional: 1/2 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage, browned

Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

2. If using ground beef or Italian sausage, brown it in a separate skillet, then drain off any excess fat before adding it to the saucepan.

3. Add the jar of marinara sauce to the saucepan, and then season with the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes at this point.

4. Stir the sauce to combine the ingredients, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer you let it simmer, the better the flavor will be.

5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it’s too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Once your semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is ready, you can serve it over your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. You can also use it as a base for other recipes, such as lasagna, baked ziti, or stuffed shells.

With semi-homemade spaghetti sauce, you can enjoy the rich, delicious flavors of a homemade sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect shortcut for busy cooks who want a meal that’s both convenient and full of flavor. Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious semi-homemade cooking can be!