Simple Spaghetti Sauce From A Can of Crushed Tomatoes
Need a shortcut to make a quick spaghetti sauce for dinner? And save a little money to? Then you might want to give this easy method of using a can of crushed tomatoes a try. I’ve done this in the past but usually as a large batch of red sauce in my crockpot using three large cans of crushed tomatoes. But here’s a way you can make a single batch with just one can!
A 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes will usually cost less than a jar of spaghetti sauce too. This recipe then adds some pantry spices to those tomatoes. I add some basil, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. I often just use my jarred garlic too, but you can also use freshly minced garlic. So as you can see this can be a handy frugal strategy.
All these ingredients are combined in a saucepan and heated together on the stove. Letting it simmer on the stove for at least 10 to 15 minutes helps those flavors mingle together. You can let it simmer longer too if you have the time.
My original large batch version contained ¼ cup of olive oil, however I don’t always feel that the ingredient is necessary. But if you would like to add some oil to this smaller batch, I would suggest 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
You can of course change-up this recipe in different ways using the spices you prefer. Or perhaps you have fresh herbs and garlic in the house you want to use up. Just start with a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, add the seasonings of your choice, let it simmer for a bit, and you’re good to go!
More homemade ideas to try:
Simple Spaghetti Sauce From A Can Of Crushed Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 can crushed tomatoes – 28 oz
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat on the stove.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle before using.
Can I use 1 can stewed tomatoes and 1 canned stew tomatoes to equal 28 oz?
Can I use 1 can stewed and 1 can diced tomatoes to equal 28 oz?
I think you could substitute those two can of tomatoes in this recipe but it will be much chunkier and you may wish to mash up the mixture just a little bit.
This is a fabulous recipe and so easy. I forgot to buy spaghetti sauce and needed to use what I had on hand, which was a can of crushed tomatoes. I found your recipe and am thrilled with the results. Thank you so much for sharing this easy and delicious spaghetti sauce recipe.
I don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand. Can I use two can of tomato sauce instead?
Tomato sauce is quite a bit thicker so you would have to thin it down with some water, and that might require adjusting the seasonings a bit too.
I am not sure when this was posted, but, researchers have found that those who eat at lease half a tablespoon or olive oil a day had a 15% lower risk of having any kind of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease. You want to stick to the healthy ones, like olive, and stay away from vegetable oils and other bat fats. 🙂
I’m so happy I found this recipe. I’ve made pasta sauce for years (I enjoy trying different recipes!) and came across this a couple of days ago. I served it over ravioli the first night, then made a cacciatore last night with the rest of it. I’m making it again right now. It is simple and SO delicious! I will give this recipe to my daughters so they can also enjoy it! It’s very versatile and I think it will be perfect in a lasagna recipe, meatballs, etc….
Thank you Beverly!
Can this recipe be canned? I would love to can several jars of this to keep in pantry.
I’ve never tried canning this sauce, however I believe the advice when canning tomato type sauces is that you should add some bottled lemon juice as well (2 Tbl for each quart) so you may want to research that topic before giving it a try. You can also freeze this sauce with very good results.
Thanks for this! I had that exact can of Meijer crushed tomatoes in my cupboard but no spaghetti sauce. A perfect recipe with everything I needed on hand.
thank you a lot
it was real good we made some and was good thank you
This looks amazing, and so perfect for right now.
I added link on my blog.
https://twomessyboys.com/meal-planning-from-pantry-staples/
Thanks!
Can this sauce be canned for later use? The can of tomatoes has citric acid in it so I am not sure if more citric acid would need to be added. I have been making this sauce since this is one my granddaughters will eat without a problem. The only change I do is to use ground oregano so the girls don’t see anything green floating around in it. They can be picky. Thank you
I always take the option of freezing this sauce (rather than canning). It freezes well and reheats easily. If you want to can this sauce, I think you would still need to add a little more acidity in the form of adding some vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture. I’m not sure how that would affect the taste.
SUCH a lifesaver!!! Started making pizza, & realized I forgot to get the sauce! Who does that?! Anyway, so grateful to find this so that the meal can continue as planned. Totally dead to the world & didn’t feel like trying to start something another meal all over.
That’s great Megan! That’s why I love strategies like this – it helps you use what you might already have to make what you need.