This gluten-free spaghetti sauce is a family dinner staple that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s packed with flavor and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
I love cooking up a big pot of homemade spaghetti sauce for dinner. It’s hearty, flavorful and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Like these gluten-free rice krispies treats, this spaghetti sauce is a recipe is one of the first things I learned to cook. I’ve been making it for as long as I can remember! It’s really simple and the flavors are fantastic.
For more favorite gluten-free recipes check out this gluten-free stove-top mac and cheese, this go-to gluten-free Alfredo sauce and my Dad’s amazing gluten-free lasagna. You also might like these gluten-free enchiladas.
Try serving this with gluten-free breadsticks for a delicious dinner! You also might like these gluten-free meatballs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This gluten-free spaghetti sauce very versatile and made with easy-to-find ingredients. Here are a few notes on some key ingredients.
- Jarred Tomato Sauce: This recipe uses both canned crushed tomatoes and jarred tomato sauce. Using a good-quality tomato sauce is a great shortcut for making a sauce with a delicious flavor. I really like Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil jarred sauce. You’ll want to use between 20-26oz of sauce and any kind you like will work!
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes lend a rich tomato flavor. I also like how the crushed tomatoes give the sauce a smooth consistency.
- Tomato Paste: For even more tomato flavor!
- Italian Seasoning: I like keeping Italian seasoning on hand because it’s so easy to add to recipes.
Serve this gluten-free spaghetti with this gluten-free garlic bread!
How to Make the Sauce
- In a large pot, add the ground beef, onions and peppers.
- Cook over medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces, until the meat is no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for a minute or so.
- Pour in the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
How to cook gluten-free spaghetti
Here are a few tips for cooking gluten-free spaghetti. My favorite brand is Jovial foods. I even use jovial foods pasta in my cold gluten-free pasta salad!
- Make sure you use plenty of water. Gluten-free noodles release more starch as they cook so using plenty of water is important so the noodles don’t get starchy and gummy on the outside.
- Cook according to the package instructions. There is less wiggle-room with the cook time for gluten-free pasta so be sure to set a timer when cooking the spaghetti.
- Don’t add olive oil to the noodles during or after cooking – this makes the noodles get a starchy/slimy film on the outside. Instead you can toss the pasta with some of this sauce after cooking!
Recipe FAQ
Most spaghetti sauce is naturally gluten-free. When looking for gluten-free jarred spaghetti sauce, check the label for any ingredients that may contain wheat.
Tomato sauce is typically made of tomatoes, vegetables and spices which are all naturally gluten-free. Although most tomato sauce is gluten-free, it’s always a good idea to check the nutrition label for any wheat ingredients.
Gluten-free spaghetti is the same shape and size as regular spaghetti. Depending on the brand you pick, you may not be able to detect it’s gluten-free! Gluten-free spaghetti is best cooked in a lot of water for the exact time specified on the package.
This sauce freezes great! First completely cool the sauce in the refrigerator. Then transfer the sauce to ziploc bag or freezer storage container. Defrost the sauce in the fridge overnight, or in a glass bowl in the microwave.
More Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 26 ounce jar good store-bought marinara sauce I like Trader Joe's Tomato Basil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the ground beef, onions and peppers. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces, until the meat is no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly for a minute or so. Pour in the remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Jarred Tomato Sauce: This recipe uses both canned crushed tomatoes and jarred tomato sauce. Using a good-quality tomato sauce is a great shortcut for making a sauce with a delicious flavor. I really like Trader Joe’s Tomato Basil jarred sauce. You’ll want to use between 20-26oz of sauce and any kind you like will work!
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes lend a rich tomato flavor. I also like how the crushed tomatoes give the sauce a smoother consistency.
- Tomato Paste: For even more tomato flavor!
- Italian Seasoning: I like keeping Italian seasoning on hand because it’s so easy to add to recipes.
OK the sauce was so amazing! I made a double batch so we could freeze some for a quick dinner another night since my family has already requested it again.