🍅 Grandma’s Secret Sauce — the kind of rich, simmered-all-day sauce that makes the whole house smell amazing! ❤️
Every family has its version, but this classic “secret” sauce is thick, flavorful, and perfect for pasta, lasagna, or meatballs.
🍝 Ingredients (Makes about 6 cups)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix (optional but delicious)
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
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1 tsp salt, or to taste
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 ½ tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 bay leaf
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½ cup water, broth, or red wine (for depth)
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Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or a small piece of Parmesan rind
🥣 Instructions
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Sauté aromatics:
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
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Add meat (if using):
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Brown ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Build the sauce:
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
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Add sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, and bay leaf.
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Stir in water or wine and Parmesan if using.
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Simmer:
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Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Cover partially and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
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The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor (up to 3 hours is heavenly).
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Finish & serve:
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Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
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Serve over spaghetti, layer in lasagna, or spoon over chicken Parmesan.
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✨ Tips from Grandma
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A pinch of sugar and slow simmering are the true secrets.
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Add a splash of milk or cream at the end for a silky finish.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day — and it freezes beautifully!
Would you like me to generate an image of Grandma’s Secret Sauce — a pot of rich, red tomato sauce simmering with herbs and garlic?
