Are you a fan of that rich, tangy, and deeply satisfying Mrs. Wages pasta sauce? Do you crave that classic tomato flavor but want to avoid preservatives and control the ingredients? Then you're in the right place! This homemade copycat recipe lets you capture the essence of that beloved sauce, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy, incredibly delicious, and a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to elevate your pasta nights!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 4 cups of delicious homemade pasta sauce. Feel free to double or halve it depending on your needs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Building the flavor:
-
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
-
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmering to perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. One hour is ideal for developing a deep, complex taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or balsamic vinegar depending on your preference. Serve your homemade Mrs. Wages copycat sauce over your favorite pasta, with meatballs, or as a pizza sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sauce:
- Fresh herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, consider using 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of fresh basil instead of the dried herbs.
- Slow and steady: Low and slow simmering is key to developing a rich and flavorful sauce. Don’t rush the process!
- Blending: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the sauce after simmering.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with additions like a pinch of fennel seeds, a bay leaf, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to personalize your sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Meaty: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the onions to create a hearty meat sauce.
- Vegetarian: Add a cup of chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. This is an estimate for one cup of sauce:
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
This homemade Mrs. Wages pasta sauce copycat recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a flavorful and healthy meal from scratch! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. It's one of the best recipes for its simplicity and incredible flavor.