This homemade spaghetti sauce has no meat, but it still has the slow-simmered flavor people want from a classic red sauce. It is made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind for extra depth.
It takes longer than a quick marinara, but it is still simple to make and works well for spaghetti, meatballs, baked ziti, lasagna, and other pasta dinners. You can also turn it into a meat sauce by browning ground beef, turkey, or sausage before adding the tomatoes. It pairs well with pasta, meatballs, and New York Style Garlic Knots.
Why this Recipe Works
- Slow simmered for deeper flavor: This sauce gets its richness from time, not meat. The longer simmer helps the tomatoes mellow and the flavors come together.
- Tomato paste adds body: Stirring in tomato paste near the end gives the sauce a thicker texture and a deeper tomato flavor.
- Parmesan rind adds savory depth: A parmesan rind gives the sauce extra flavor as it simmers, but it is optional and can be left out.
- Fresh herbs go in at the end: Basil and parsley are added near the end so they stay brighter and fresher.
How to Make Spaghetti Sauce with No Meat
- Start by cooking the onion in olive oil until it softens, then add the garlic just long enough to bring out its flavor.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, brown sugar, bay leaf, and parmesan rind if using. Let the sauce simmer slowly so the tomatoes mellow and the flavors come together.
- Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind, then blend the sauce until smooth. Stir in the tomato paste, fresh herbs, and black pepper, then simmer a little longer until the sauce thickens and tastes balanced.
Spaghetti Sauce Questions
Can you make spaghetti sauce without meat?
Yes. This recipe is written as a no-meat spaghetti sauce and gets flavor from tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, herbs, and a parmesan rind instead of ground beef or sausage.
Is this the same as marinara sauce?
Not exactly. Marinara is usually quicker and simpler, while this spaghetti sauce simmers longer and has a deeper flavor.
How much sauce does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 6 cups of sauce, or roughly 12 servings at ½ cup each.
Can I add meat?
Yes. Brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage with the onion and garlic, then continue with the recipe.
Do I need the parmesan rind?
No. It adds extra savory flavor, but the sauce still works without it. Leave it out for a dairy-free or vegan version.
Can I freeze spaghetti sauce?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Print
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce No Meat
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This homemade spaghetti sauce has no meat, but it still has the slow-simmered flavor people want from a classic red sauce. It is made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind for extra depth.
Ingredients
- ÂĽ cup good-quality olive oil
- Âľ to 1 cup onion, diced
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 parmesan rind
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
EQUIPMENT I USED:
- Basic gadgets (measuring spoons, bowls etc)
- Cutting board
- My favorite knife!
- Immersion Blender
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, sautĂ© the onion in olive oil over low to medium heat until translucent. Do not let it brown. Season lightly with salt to help the onion soften, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.Â
- Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar, bay leaf, and parmesan rind, if using.
- Partially cover and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind, then blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. If needed, carefully puree it in a standard blender in batches.
- Stir in tomato paste, basil, parsley and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes.
Notes
You can make this a meat sauce by simply browning 1 lb of ground beef (turkey or sausage) with the onion and garlic, then continue with recipe as stated in Step 2.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
SIMPLE HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI SAUCE
Like this recipe? Pin it to your DINNER board!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook and Pinterest
Delicious!thank you!
How many cups does this make? Can’t wait to try!
I made this sauce last minute and did not want to go to the store as it was snowing heavily. I did not have Parmesan rind or fresh basil and parsley. It was still fantastic. I served it over vegan meatballs and fresh pasta. Honestly the best sauce I have ever made. I won’t add the parm rind in order to keep it vegan but I cannot wait to use fresh basil and parsley from my garden in the summer. Thank you for this recipe.
thanks so much Pat! Love to hear how it worked out for you!
Made this sauce with homemade pasta. Delicious! I will now save my parmesan rinds. Fabulous, look forward trying more of your recipes.
I didn’t have the Parmesan rind, but otherwise I followed the recipe. My husband couldn’t stop snacking on the sauce while it cooked (already a good sign). I used it the next day for baked ziti while my parents were over. Usually we have leftovers for the next day, but it was gone! My mum asked for the recipe because she couldn’t stop thinking about the sauce. Thank you for the fantastic recipe, it’s definitely a keeper!
aww, thanks Amberlee! I see you made baked ziti with it. We have a great recipe for that too here –> https://happilyunprocessed.com/how-to-make-a-life-changing-baked-ziti/
Doni need the cheese part? I Dont have that
No Tiffany you do not. It will still turn out great!
Hi
Thinking of making for a large group. The 2x and 3x recipes list the same amount of Cans Crushed Tomatoes- is this correct?
I made this today, but I added Italian seasoned banana peppers to it.
Very nice flavor super simple and easy to make yet so smooth best sauce i have ever tasted 5 stars
thanks Mallory!
Great recipe! Thank you so much for sharing. Easy, simple and delicious.
This is the most amazing marinara sauce– Easy and it freezes well too. I will not add sugar next time. I put in 1 Tablespoon for a double batch and I think that was too much, but that is for my taste. Thanks again for this amazing sauce– Did I mention that it is the Bomb Diggity? YUMMMMMMMY
Hi Stormi! Thanks so much for the great review. This is my tried and true spaghetti sauce. Now the Sept is right around the corner I will be making it weekly. LOL
I do not have a way to puree. This is one of your steps. Is it necessary?
My forever go to recipe! This spaghetti sauce comes out perfect every single time. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Can I use this as a marinara sauce for your ziti recipe – how many cups does this make ?
Yes this is the sauce I use. It does need to be watered down just a tad though. Thanks for your question!
Deb
Looks like a delicious recipe! About how many people will it serve?
I’ve never counted Lisa but every time I make it it serves my family of 4, leftovers always end up being meatballs subs (so I use a little of the sauce) and then I freeze what’s left and it makes another batch. So all in all, I would say at least 8. It also depends on if you are going to simmer meatballs in it, that soaks a little of it up or it you add ground beef/pork for a meat sauce.