See how to make jar pasta sauce better! Go from plain jarred pasta sauce to nearly homemade-tasting sauce!
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious weeknight meal without the hassle, jarred pasta sauce is a perfect solution. While jarred sauces are convenient, they often lack the richness of homemade recipes. Luckily, learning how to make jar spaghetti sauce taste homemade can help elevate your dish with just a few simple tweaks. With minimal effort, you can transform your sauce into a flavorful, hearty meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Why Use Jarred Spaghetti Sauce?
Jarred spaghetti sauce is a go-to option for busy families or anyone short on time. It’s readily available, affordable, and comes in a variety of flavors. You can make a quick dinner without having to wait hours for homemade sauce to simmer. However, if you want to upgrade your sauce to taste like it’s been cooking all day, these easy tips will do the trick.
How to Make Jar Spaghetti Sauce Taste Homemade
To give your jarred sauce a homemade feel, start by sautéing fresh garlic and onions in olive oil. This creates a flavorful base. After that, pour in the jar sauce and let it simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes. You can also throw in a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added depth. This step not only boosts the flavor but also allows the sauce to thicken naturally, making it taste richer.
What to Add to Jarred Spaghetti Sauce for Extra Flavor
To further enhance the flavor, consider adding some extras. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a slight kick, while a teaspoon of sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for depth. If you love veggies, stir in roasted peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
Make Your Sauce Heartier with Protein
If you want to bulk up your sauce, adding protein is a great way to do it. Brown ground beef or ground turkey in a pan before mixing it with your sauce. This not only adds heartiness but also boosts the flavor. You can also try using pre-cooked meatballs, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. This simple addition can turn a basic jarred sauce into a full meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
Easy Ways to Elevate Jarred Pasta Sauce for Different Dishes
Jarred pasta sauce is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes beyond spaghetti. For example, you can thicken the sauce with tomato paste and use it as a pizza base. It’s also excellent in baked ziti or lasagna. If you want a richer, creamier texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or ricotta cheese. These small changes can dramatically improve your sauce and make it suitable for any dish you have in mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Jarred Sauce
Even when using jarred sauce, it’s important to avoid common mistakes. First, be mindful of adding too much salt or sugar, especially since jarred sauces often come pre-seasoned. Also, don’t simmer the sauce for too long, as this can cause it to thicken too much or even burn. Lastly, always taste your sauce before adding extra seasoning to ensure the flavors are balanced.
Transforming Jarred Pasta Sauce
With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily transform jarred spaghetti sauce into a homemade-style meal that everyone will love.
Whether you’re adding fresh herbs, extra veggies, or a protein boost, these small changes will make a big difference. Now that you know how to make jar spaghetti sauce taste homemade, you’ll never have to settle for bland jarred sauce again. Try these tips today, and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal anytime!
FAQ Section
Sauté fresh garlic and onions, add herbs, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes to enhance its flavor.
You can add crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, red wine, balsamic vinegar, or roasted vegetables like peppers and zucchini.
Add browned ground beef, ground turkey, or pre-cooked meatballs to give the sauce more texture and flavor.
Yes, jarred pasta sauce is versatile! Use it as a pizza base, for baked ziti, lasagna, or even as a topping for stuffed peppers.
Always taste your sauce before adding more seasoning, as jarred sauces often come pre-seasoned.
How to Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better
How to Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better!
Ingredients
- 1 Diced Onion
- 1 Diced Bell Pepper
- 1 Diced Tomato
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 lb Italian Sausace
- 2 Jars Pasta Sauce
- 1 pinch Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Red Wine
Instructions
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Brown your Italian sausage.
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Add in your diced vegetables and minced garlic. Cook a few minutes until they start to soften.
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Add in your Red Wine. Stir until mixed through.
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Pour in your pasta sauce, and add in the sugar, balsamic and seasoning of your choice.
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Let simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Serve over pasta and enjoy!
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.
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Patty Gordon
Sunday 13th of January 2019
I do this all the time. Love your take on it!
Sharing on Facebook.com/DailyMomBlogs in February
GiGi Eats
Wednesday 19th of December 2018
Jarred pasta just makes everything SOOOO much easier!
HVT
Friday 7th of December 2018
Omg wow okay this looks so good! Thank you for the recipe I will definitely try it as my family loves Italian food as well!