Canned spaghetti sauce is a quick and easy option for busy weeknight dinners. However, the flavor and texture of store-bought sauce can be lacking. Luckily, with a few simple additions and techniques, you can elevate your canned spaghetti sauce and turn it into a delicious meal that everyone will love.

The first way to improve your canned spaghetti sauce is by adding some fresh ingredients. Sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers can add depth and sweetness to the sauce. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavor. Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can give the sauce a tangy kick. These simple additions will transform your canned sauce into a homemade tasting sauce.

10 Tips to Make Canned Spaghetti Sauce Better

Canned spaghetti sauce is a convenient and affordable option for busy cooks who want to get a meal on the table quickly, but let’s be honest: it often lacks the depth of flavor that a homemade sauce can provide. Fortunately, with a few simple tweaks, you can elevate even the most basic canned sauce and make it taste like you’ve spent hours simmering a pot on the stove. Here are 10 tips to make canned spaghetti sauce better:

1. Start With the Right Sauce

Not all canned spaghetti sauces are created equal. Look for a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and doesn’t rely on artificial flavors or preservatives. Some good options to try are San Marzano, Muir Glen, and Rao’s.

2. Add Fresh Herbs

A little bit of fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can go a long way in adding flavor to canned sauce. If you have access to a garden or farmer’s market, try using fresh herbs instead of dried ones for an even more pronounced flavor.

3. Infuse with Garlic

Garlic is a staple in Italian cooking and can add a lot of depth to a canned spaghetti sauce. Try sautéing a few cloves of fresh garlic in olive oil before adding the canned sauce to infuse it with flavor.

4. Add Wine

A splash of red wine can add richness and complexity to a canned spaghetti sauce. Choose a wine that you would drink, and add it to the sauce as it simmers on the stove.

5. Use Better Meat

If you’re using ground beef in your spaghetti sauce, consider upgrading to a higher quality meat, such as grass-fed beef or ground turkey. This will add more flavor and nutrition to your dish.

6. Experiment with Spices

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to add flavor to your canned spaghetti sauce. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

7. Add Vegetables

Chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini can add nutrition and flavor to canned spaghetti sauce. Sauté them in olive oil before adding the canned sauce for the best results.

8. Finish with Cheese

Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your finished dish can add a salty, umami flavor that complements canned spaghetti sauce well.

9. Simmer Longer

While canned spaghetti sauce can be heated up quickly, it’s worth taking the time to let it simmer on the stove for a bit longer. This will allow the flavors to meld together and become richer and more complex.

10. Serve with Fresh Pasta

While canned spaghetti sauce can be tasty on its own, serving it with freshly cooked pasta can take it to the next level. Cook the pasta al dente, and toss it with a bit of olive oil and freshly chopped herbs before adding the sauce.

With these tips in mind, you can easily make canned spaghetti sauce taste better than ever before. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with the flavors to create a sauce that’s uniquely your own.

Section 2: Easy Tips to Make Your Canned Spaghetti Sauce Tastier

1. Add More Fresh Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs and spices are an easy addition that can take your canned spaghetti sauce from ordinary to delicious. Dried herbs and spices may already be included in your sauce, but adding fresh ones can really enhance the flavor. Basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme are all great choices. You can add them at the beginning of cooking or just before serving.

2. Sauté Some Onions and Garlic

Sautéing onions and garlic is a quick and easy way to add depth of flavor to your sauce. Just chop up some onions and garlic and cook them in a bit of olive oil until they’re fragrant and golden. Then add the canned spaghetti sauce and continue cooking as usual.

3. Add a Splash of Wine

A splash of wine can add complexity and richness to your canned spaghetti sauce. Red wine works well with tomato-based sauces, and white wine is a great addition to cream-based sauces. Just make sure to cook the sauce for a few extra minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.

4. Use Ground Meat

If you want to add some protein to your spaghetti sauce, using ground meat is an easy option. You can use beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. Brown the meat in a bit of olive oil before adding the canned sauce and simmering for a few minutes.

5. Roast Some Vegetables

Roasting vegetables can add a smoky and savory flavor to your canned spaghetti sauce. Try roasting some bell peppers, eggplant, or zucchini in the oven until they’re tender and slightly charred. Then add them to your sauce and let simmer for a few minutes.

6. Add Some Cream

If you’re looking for a creamier sauce, try adding some heavy cream or half-and-half. Just make sure to add it at the end of cooking and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

7. Top with Cheese

Cheese is a simple but effective way to add flavor and richness to your spaghetti sauce. Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, but you can also try other types of cheese like mozzarella, asiago, or pecorino romano. Just sprinkle some cheese on top of your sauce before serving.

8. Make it Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, adding some chili flakes or hot sauce to your canned spaghetti sauce can give it some kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

9. Serve with Fresh Veggies

Adding some fresh veggies on top of your sauce can add both flavor and nutrition. Try adding some chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach before serving.

10. Make it Your Own

The beauty of canned spaghetti sauce is that it’s a blank canvas. You can customize it to your liking and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make it your own!

5 Tips to Enhance the Flavor of Canned Spaghetti Sauce

Even though canned spaghetti sauce is a good base for a quick and convenient homemade meal, you might find that it lacks complexity and depth of flavor. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for bland spaghetti sauce out of a can. Here are five simple tips to help you upgrade your canned spaghetti sauce with more complexity, richness, and depth of flavor:

1. Add Fresh Herbs and Spices

One of the easiest ways to enhance the flavor of canned spaghetti sauce is to add fresh herbs and spices. You can use a combination of parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, or thyme to add more aroma and flavor. Moreover, you can add red pepper flakes, garlic, or onion powder to add more spice and taste. You can experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect blend that suits your taste.

2. Cook it Slow and Low

Another way to improve the flavor of your canned spaghetti sauce is to cook it low and slow. This method gives the ingredients ample time to blend and develop flavors. You can cook the sauce on a low simmer for an hour or two or use a slow cooker to cook the sauce for several hours. This method allows the flavors to deepen and mingle, giving you a deeper, richer, and more complex sauce.

3. Add a Little Wine

Another way to upgrade your canned spaghetti sauce is to add a little wine. Red wine or white wine can add a touch of acidity and sweetness to the sauce. You can add half a cup of wine to the sauce and cook it for a few minutes to burn off the alcohol. The wine will not only improve the flavor but also tenderize the meat and add more depth to the sauce.

4. Caramelize Onions and Garlic

A straightforward way to enhance the flavor of canned spaghetti sauce is to caramelize onions and garlic. This method adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the sauce, making it more delicious. You can caramelize onions and garlic by adding them to a hot skillet with some oil. Then, let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown. After that, add them to the spaghetti sauce, and let it cook until they are fully incorporated.

5. Introduce Umami Flavors

Last but not least, you can add umami flavors to your canned spaghetti sauce. Umami is a savory taste, often referred to as the fifth taste. You can add umami to your canned spaghetti sauce by adding some Parmesan cheese, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the sauce, making it more enjoyable.

Ingredients Amount
Parsley 1 cup
Basil 1/2 cup
Oregano 1/4 cup
Rosemary 1/8 cup
Thyme 1/8 cup
Red Pepper Flakes 1 tablespoon
Garlic Powder 1 tablespoon

In conclusion, canned spaghetti sauce can be upgraded to a delicious homemade meal with a little effort and creativity. By adding fresh herbs, cooking it low and slow, adding wine, caramelizing onions and garlic, and introducing umami flavors, you can create a more complex, richer, and flavorful sauce. Give these tips a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade spaghetti that is bursting with flavor.

Thanks For Reading! Come Again For More Yummy Ideas.

I hope these tips have given you some great ideas for jazzing up your canned spaghetti sauce. Don’t forget, experimenting is the best way to find what works for you. Add some chicken, some fresh garlic, or mix up the herbs to create your signature sauce. Just remember the secret ingredient for any tasty sauce is love. So add a big spoonful of love and enjoy! Thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon for more delicious ideas.