Canning Spaghetti Sauce – Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfectly Preserved

There’s nothing quite like homemade spaghetti sauce simmered with ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables. This Canning Spaghetti Sauce recipe captures all that garden-fresh flavor so you can enjoy it any time of year. Made for canning, it’s thick, rich, and perfectly seasoned—ideal for pasta nights, lasagna, or even pizza sauce. It’s a kitchen staple you’ll be proud to have on your pantry shelf.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Goodness: Fresh ingredients, no additives.
Year-Round Convenience: Enjoy summer tomatoes even in winter.
Customizable Flavors: Adjust herbs, garlic, and spice to taste.
Perfect for Batch Cooking: Make once, enjoy for months.

Ingredients

• 10 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma or paste tomatoes work best)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste (optional, for thicker sauce)
• 2 tbsp bottled lemon juice (per pint jar, for safe canning)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water. Peel off the skins, remove cores, and roughly chop.

2. Cook the Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Simmer the Sauce
Add chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

4. Blend (Optional)
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce right in the pot, or transfer portions to a blender.

5. Prepare Jars
Sterilize canning jars and lids according to safe canning guidelines.

6. Fill and Seal
Add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice to each pint jar. Fill jars with hot sauce, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids on, and secure bands until fingertip tight.

7. Process the Jars
Process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes (for pint jars). Adjust time based on your altitude if necessary.

8. Cool & Store
Remove jars and let them cool completely. Check seals—lids should not flex when pressed. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 70
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 2g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Meaty Tomatoes: Roma or San Marzano varieties make thicker, richer sauce.
• Don’t Skip Lemon Juice: Ensures proper acidity for safe canning.
• Add Flavor Your Way: Try red pepper flakes for spice or extra basil for sweetness.
• Label & Date Jars: Helps track freshness and rotation.

Why This Recipe Works

By slowly simmering fresh tomatoes with herbs and aromatics, this sauce develops deep, layered flavor without needing preservatives. The canning process locks in freshness, making it easy to enjoy homemade quality all year long.

Canning Spaghetti Sauce is a rewarding kitchen project that brings homemade comfort to every pasta night. With fresh ingredients and time-tested canning techniques, you’ll have jars of rich, flavorful sauce ready whenever you need them. Whether you’re preserving your garden harvest or simply love cooking from scratch, this recipe is a delicious way to fill your pantry with love.