Spaghetti Sauce Mix Recipe for Easy Homemade Flavor

Updated On: October 18, 2025

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce that elevates a simple pasta dish into a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, having a homemade spaghetti sauce mix recipe on hand can save you time and add a burst of authentic Italian flavor to your dishes.

This versatile mix combines a blend of dried herbs, spices, and savory elements that you can keep in your pantry for whenever the craving strikes. Instead of relying on store-bought jars filled with preservatives and excess sugar, this DIY mix lets you control the ingredients, making it healthier and customizable to your taste.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious spaghetti sauce mix recipe that’s perfect for mixing with tomato sauce or canned tomatoes. It’s a pantry staple that’s great to have ready for quick pasta nights, homemade pizzas, or even as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.

Let’s dive into why this mix is a must-have, what you need, and how to put it all together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spaghetti sauce mix recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of common pantry spices and herbs.

You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Second, it’s customizable—you can adjust the flavors to be more garlicky, spicier, or herbaceous based on your preferences.

Third, it’s convenient. You can mix it up in bulk and store it in an airtight container, so it’s always ready when you want to whip up a quick spaghetti sauce without measuring out multiple spices every time.

Plus, this mix is versatile. Beyond spaghetti sauce, it can be used to season ground meats for meatballs, sprinkle over roasted veggies, or add to soups and stews for a rich Italian flair.

It’s a one-stop seasoning blend that brings warmth and depth to your cooking.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (balances acidity)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork (for blending)
  • Airtight container or spice jar (for storage)
  • Label and marker (optional, for dating your mix)

Instructions

  1. Gather all your dried herbs and spices. Make sure they are fresh; old spices can lose their potency.
  2. Measure each ingredient carefully according to the quantities listed above.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly blend the spices and herbs so they are evenly distributed.
  4. Transfer the mix to an airtight container or a small jar. Label it with the date and contents for easy identification.
  5. Store your spaghetti sauce mix in a cool, dry place. It will keep fresh for up to six months.
  6. To use: Add approximately 2 tablespoons of this mix per 28-ounce can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper flavor, toast your dried herbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes before mixing.”

Adjusting the heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For more spice, increase to 1½ teaspoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Fresh herbs option: If you want to use fresh herbs instead of dried, substitute approximately three times the amount of fresh herbs. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.

Adding umami: Consider adding 1 teaspoon of dried mushroom powder or a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix for an added depth of flavor.

Customize sweetness: The sugar balances acidity, but you can swap it with honey or omit entirely if you prefer a tangier sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1 tsp mix
Calories 6 kcal
Carbohydrates 1.3 g
Protein 0.3 g
Fat 0.1 g
Fiber 0.7 g
Sodium 390 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the exact brands and amounts used.

Serving Suggestions

This spaghetti sauce mix is intended to be combined with tomato sauce for classic pasta dishes, but its uses don’t stop there!

  • Spaghetti or any pasta: Toss cooked pasta with sauce made from your mix and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
  • Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of the mix to your ground beef or turkey before forming meatballs for extra Italian flavor.
  • Pizza sauce: Stir the mix into canned tomato sauce for a quick and flavorful homemade pizza base.
  • Roasted vegetables: Sprinkle a little on veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers before roasting.
  • Soup boost: Add a teaspoon or two to vegetable or minestrone soups to enhance complexity.

Conclusion

Making your own spaghetti sauce mix is one of those simple kitchen hacks that can transform your cooking routine. It saves you time, money, and the hassle of buying multiple spice jars.

More importantly, it offers a fresh, wholesome flavor that’s hard to beat from store-bought mixes. With this recipe, you can keep a jar of delicious Italian seasoning ready to go, ensuring your pasta dishes always have that homemade touch.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this mix is easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Experiment with it in different dishes and adjust the herbs and spices to suit your palate.

For more delicious recipes that complement this sauce mix, check out our Classic Homemade Meatballs, Easy Garlic Bread, or Simple Caesar Salad. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Spaghetti Sauce Mix Recipe

Description: A simple homemade spaghetti sauce mix that adds rich flavor to your pasta dishes. Perfect for quick and easy meal prep.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: Makes about 1/2 cup mix

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup dried parsley flakes
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
  3. Store in an airtight container.
  4. Use 2 tablespoons of mix per 1 cup of tomato sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 15 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Carbs: 3g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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