1. **Heat the oil:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Sauté the aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. **Brown the meat (if using):** If making a meat sauce, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. **Add tomatoes and seasonings:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the water, dried basil, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Mix well to combine.
5. **Simmer the sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for 1-2 hours.
6. **Adjust seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more sugar if needed.
7. **Serve:** Remove the pot from heat. Stir in fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
### Tips:
– **For a smoother sauce:** Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency before simmering.
– **For extra flavor:** Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of fennel seeds when adding the tomatoes.
– **Make it vegetarian:** Skip the meat for a vegetarian version and add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Enjoy your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with your favorite pasta and toppings like grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs!
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