Making a delicious and easy homemade no meat spaghetti sauce recipe could not be easier; it requires only a few staple pantry ingredients. This sauce is deliciously thick and full of flavor; you can forget about buying jarred pasta sauce ever again.
meatless Spaghetti Sauce
This quick and easy homemade spaghetti sauce (no meat) recipe is made from scratch. A delicious way to make homemade Italian spaghetti sauce in less than 25 minutes!
With this easy recipe, you can quickly and easily make a tasty sauce to go with dinner for easy homemade meals. Make your own spaghetti sauce and serve it with Italian meatballs, or even use it as a sauce in lasagna.
This homemade meatless spaghetti sauce from scratch is full of fresh and savory flavors and a great way to control what ingredients you use and ensure that your sauce is healthy and nutritious.
Can You Eat Spaghetti Without Meat?
Yes, spaghetti can be enjoyed without meat. There are numerous meatless options, such as marinara sauce and this recipe for meatless spaghetti sauce.
Ingredients Easy No Meat Spaghetti Sauce
Here is the ingredient list for what you will need to make easy homemade spaghetti sauce with tomato sauce:
- OLIVE OIL: begin the sauce by sauteing the minced onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil.
- TOMATO BASE: I use a 28-ounce can of tomato sauce and several tablespoons of tomato paste for this recipe. You can use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce if you are after a thicker consistency in the sauce.
- BEEF BROTH: instead of water, I use beef broth in this recipe to add flavor and nutrition.
- DRIED HERBS AND SPICES: A good bit of dried oregano, basil, and parsley work well in this recipe. And you can not have a good Italian tomato sauce without garlic and onion. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Season with salt and black pepper to suit your taste.
- FRESH HERBS: while an optional choice, you can add fresh basil and chopped fresh parsley for a truly Italian marinara sauce.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce Without Meat
Here are the simple steps to making delicious meatless spaghetti sauce recipe:
1. SAUTE ONIONS AND GARLIC
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, deep pan or braiser. Once hot, add the minced onions and stir for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent.
Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook and stir for one minute or until fragrant.
2. ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS
Reduce heat to low. Add canned tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir together to combine.
3. SIMMER
Cover the sauce and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Occasionally, stir the sauce and add a little bit more beef broth if necessary to make a thinner sauce.
If you have fresh basil or parsley, feel free to sprinkle a little in the sauce.
If you want to experience the most delicious pasta, add the freshly cooked pasta to the sauce and simmer for around 5 minutes. This will give the pasta time to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. SERVE
Serve with your favorite pasta. Ladle over the top of spaghetti noodles or with Italian meatballs. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve with a side salad for a delicious, filling meal!
Recipe Tips
Here are some handy recipe tips for making easy meatless spaghetti sauce:
- THICKER SAUCE: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer on the stove without the lid. This will cause the liquid in the sauce to evaporate.
- THINNER SAUCE: Add more beef broth for a thinner spaghetti sauce until you have the desired consistency.
- CHUNKIER SAUCE: If you like a chunkier sauce, you can make this recipe with whole tomatoes or fresh tomatoes from the garden.
- ADD SWEETNESS: If you want to balance out a bit of the tang from the tomatoes, add a teaspoon of sugar for the best sweet spaghetti sauce.
What is The Difference Between Marinara Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce made with onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. It is often served over pasta but can also be used as a dipping sauce or pizza sauce and topping.
Spaghetti sauce is a tomato-based sauce typically made with ground beef or sausage, herbs, and spices. It is usually served over pasta.
How to Store Leftover Sauce
Delicious homemade spaghetti sauce is so easy to make and store! Make an extra batch to keep in the freezer for make-ahead meal options.
TO STORE: If you have leftover prepared spaghetti sauce, it can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
TO FREEZE: After making spaghetti sauce, allow it to cool completely before dividing it into freezer-safe bags or an air-tight freezer safe container. This way, you can take out only what you need. Frozen spaghetti sauce can generally last up to three months in the freezer.
TO REHEAT: Leftover spaghetti sauce can be reheated over low heat on the stovetop until thoroughly heated, about 10 minutes.
What to Serve With No Meat Spaghetti
Here are some delicious recipes to serve with spaghetti without meat sauce:
- Rosemary garlic rolls are a delicious and savory addition to serve with spaghetti.
- A grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect warm and comforting side that is easy to make and serve with spaghetti and sauce.
Printable Recipe
Homemade Meatless Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
This easy homemade spaghetti sauce is incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With the perfect combination of spices and simple ingredients, you will be amazed at how delicious this meatless spaghetti sauce turns out each time.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 28 ounces canned tomato sauce or crush tomatoes
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, deep pan. Once hot, add the diced onions and often stir for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook and stir for one minute or until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low. Add canned tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir together to combine.
Cover the sauce and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Occasionally stir the sauce and add a bit of beef broth if necessary to make a thinner sauce.
If you have fresh basil or parsley, feel free to sprinkle a little in the sauce.
If you want to experience the most delicious pasta, add the freshly cooked pasta to the sauce and simmer for around 5 minutes. This will give the pasta time to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve with your favorite pasta or with Italian meatballs. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve with a side salad for a delicious, filling meal!
About the Author
Sarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. With a passion for simple, healthy recipes, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home, she shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.