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meatball sauce recipes.

This meatball sauce recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with homemade or store-bought meatballs. It's versatile and can be served over pasta, on subs, or enjoyed on its own.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Bell pepper, chopped
  • 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional
  • ¼ cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
  • Add the sugar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve the sauce over your favorite meatballs, garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
For a creamier version, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a little grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Feel free to customize the sauce by adding in vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.