Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (2024)

We researched the most common ingredients in over twenty popular spaghetti sauce recipes and found the top 15 ingredients.

The most common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes is tomatoes.

Olive oil, garlic, spaghetti, onion, parmesan cheese and white sugar are also common ingredients in spaghetti sauce recipes. For herbs and spices, basil is popular. Variations include:

  • tomatoes juice in place of onion

Salt is in 90% of spaghetti sauce recipes and pepper, 70%.

Jump to:

  • Ingredient Ratios
  • Average Weight of Ingredients
  • tomatoes - 90%
  • tomato sauce
  • tomatoes juice
  • salt - 90%
  • olive oil - 70%
  • garlic - 70%
  • pepper - 70%
  • black pepper
  • spaghetti - 65%
  • onion - 45%
  • parmesan cheese - 35%
  • basil - 35%
  • white sugar - 25%
  • parsley - 25%
  • oregano - 20%
  • bay - 15%
  • beef - 15%
  • Other Ingredients
  • 8 Spaghetti Sauce Recipes (ingredients only)

The average spaghetti sauce recipe has about 10.6 ingredients, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20.

In terms of directions, spaghetti sauce recipes have about 4.5 steps on average, ranging from 1 to 19 instructions.

An average spaghetti sauce recipe takes about 1 hour 1 minute to prepare, ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes.

Ratios of Common Ingredients in Spaghetti Sauce

For 28 ounce tomatoes (794 g), the median and average amounts of other significant ingredients are below. Some ingredients are potential substitutes for others, meaning they almost never exist together in a single spaghetti sauce recipe, and are marked below.

IngredientMedian Average% of recipes with tomatoesPotential subsitutions
garlic2.6 clove
(8 g)
9.9 clove
(30 g)
84%
olive oil3.5 tablespoon
(48 g)
5.7 tablespoon
(77 g)
74%
spaghetti1 pound
(453 g)
1.4 pound
(644 g)
68%
basil0.1 cup
(2 g)
0.42 cup
(10 g)
58%
  • rosemary
white sugar0.95 teaspoon
(4 g)
2.9 teaspoon
(12 g)
37%

Ingredients by Average Weight in Spaghetti Sauce

We also found the average content of the significant ingredients by weight in spaghetti sauce recipes. This would be: 44% tomatoes, 35% spaghetti, 7% onion, 6% olive oil, 5% beef and 2% garlic.

Here are the top ingredients, listed in order of popularity.

tomatoes

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (1)

Tomatoes is the most popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 90% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain tomatoes.

Variations of tomatoes include:

  • tomato sauce: 15% of recipes
  • tomatoes juice: 6% of recipes

For spaghetti sauce recipes, tomatoes is frequently used with salt, garlic, olive oil, onion and spaghetti.

Potential substitutions for tomatoes in spaghetti sauce:

  • tomatoes juice

Also, tomatoes is not often used with celery and shallots.

salt

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (2)

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is salt. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 90% have salt.

Salt is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of 1 teaspoon, half a teaspoon or 1.5 teaspoons.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain salt, it is on average, 0.1% by weight.

In recipes for spaghetti sauce, salt is often used with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and black pepper.

olive oil

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (3)

Olive oil is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 70% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain olive oil.

Common quantities for olive oil in spaghetti sauce dishes include 3 tablespoons, a quarter cup or 2 tablespoons.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain olive oil, it is on average, 5% by weight.

Salt, spaghetti, garlic, tomatoes and onion are commonly used together with olive oil in spaghetti sauce dishes.

garlic

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (4)

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is garlic. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 70% have garlic.

Minced, chopped and sliced are frequent preparations for garlic in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Garlic is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of 2 cloves, 4 cloves or 3 cloves.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain garlic, it is on average, 2% by weight.

For spaghetti sauce recipes, garlic is frequently used with salt, olive oil, spaghetti, tomatoes and black pepper.

pepper

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (5)

Pepper is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 70% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain pepper.

Variations of pepper include:

  • black pepper: 47% of recipes

In recipes for spaghetti sauce, pepper is often used with olive oil, salt, spaghetti, garlic and tomatoes.

Potential substitutions for pepper in spaghetti sauce:

  • green pepper

Also, pepper is not often used with shallots and eggs.

black pepper

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (6)

Black pepper is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 45% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain black pepper.

Ground is a frequent preparation for black pepper in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Black pepper is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of half a teaspoon.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain black pepper, it is on average, 0% by weight.

For spaghetti sauce recipes, black pepper is frequently used with salt, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil and spaghetti. However, mushrooms and tomatoes juice are almost never used together with black pepper in spaghetti sauce dishes.

spaghetti

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (7)

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is spaghetti. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 65% have spaghetti.

Dried is a frequent preparation for spaghetti in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Common quantities for spaghetti in spaghetti sauce dishes include 1 pound, 12 ounces or half a pound.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain spaghetti, it is on average, 34% by weight.

Salt, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and black pepper are commonly used together with spaghetti in spaghetti sauce dishes. Conversely, spaghetti is not often used with seasoning.

onion

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (8)

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is onion. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 45% have onion.

Spaghetti sauce dishes often call for onion to be chopped.

Onion is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of 1 medium, 1 onion or three quarters of a cup.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain onion, it is on average, 10% by weight.

In recipes for spaghetti sauce, onion is often used with salt, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and black pepper.

Potential substitutions for onion in spaghetti sauce:

  • tomatoes juice

Also, onion is not often used with butter and shallots.

parmesan cheese

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (9)

Parmesan cheese is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 35% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain parmesan cheese.

Grated is a frequent preparation for parmesan cheese in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Common quantities for parmesan cheese in spaghetti sauce dishes include half a cup.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain parmesan cheese, it is on average, 1.2% by weight.

Olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, salt and onion are commonly used together with parmesan cheese in spaghetti sauce dishes. Conversely, parmesan cheese is not often used with celery and tomatoes juice.

basil

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (10)

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is basil. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 35% have basil.

Dried, chopped and shredded are frequent preparations for basil in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Basil is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of a quarter cup or 1 teaspoon.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain basil, it is on average, 0.3% by weight.

For spaghetti sauce recipes, basil is frequently used with tomatoes, salt, olive oil, garlic and black pepper.

Potential substitutions for basil in spaghetti sauce:

  • rosemary

Also, basil is not often used with celery and tomatoes juice.

white sugar

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (11)

White sugar is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 25% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain white sugar.

White sugar is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of 1 teaspoon, 2 tablespoons or 1 tablespoon.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain white sugar, it is on average, 0.6% by weight.

In recipes for spaghetti sauce, white sugar is often used with salt, garlic, tomatoes, onion and black pepper. On the other hand, white sugar is almost never used with butter, rosemary, celery, capers, shallots, mushrooms and wine.

parsley

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (12)

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is parsley. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 25% have parsley.

Chopped is a frequent preparation for parsley in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Common quantities for parsley in spaghetti sauce dishes include 1 tablespoon or half a cup.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain parsley, it is on average, 2% by weight.

Garlic, salt, olive oil, spaghetti and tomatoes are commonly used together with parsley in spaghetti sauce dishes. Conversely, parsley is not often used with rosemary, capers, green pepper, wine and tomatoes juice.

oregano

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (13)

Oregano is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 20% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain oregano.

Dried is a frequent preparation for oregano in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Oregano is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of 1 teaspoon or half a teaspoon.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain oregano, it is on average, 0.1% by weight.

For spaghetti sauce recipes, oregano is frequently used with tomatoes, tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper.

Potential substitutions for oregano in spaghetti sauce:

  • rosemary
  • garlic powder

Also, oregano is not often used with butter, celery, capers, shallots and eggs.

See Also
pasta

bay

Another popular ingredient in spaghetti sauce is bay. From the recipes we've sampled for spaghetti sauce, over 15% have bay.

Bay is often included in spaghetti sauce dishes in amounts of 1 leaf or 2 leaves.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain bay, it is on average, 0% by weight.

In recipes for spaghetti sauce, bay is often used with tomatoes, garlic, onion, salt, olive oil and parmesan cheese. On the other hand, bay is almost never used with butter, celery, shallots, green pepper and tomatoes juice.

beef

Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (14)

Beef is another common ingredient in spaghetti sauce dishes. In fact, over 15% of spaghetti sauce recipes contain beef.

Ground is a frequent preparation for beef in spaghetti sauce dishes.

Common quantities for beef in spaghetti sauce dishes include 1 pound.

In spaghetti sauce recipes that contain beef, it is on average, 21% by weight.

Onion, garlic, salt, tomatoes and black pepper are commonly used together with beef in spaghetti sauce dishes. Conversely, beef is not often used with butter, rosemary, celery, capers, shallots, wine and tomatoes juice.

Other spaghetti sauce Ingredients

Other significant ingredients used in spaghetti sauce recipes include:

  • butter - 15%
  • rosemary - 5%
  • garlic powder - 5%
  • bread - 5%
  • celery - 5%
  • capers - 5%
  • shallots - 5%
  • eggs - 5%
  • seasoning - 5%
  • mushrooms - 5%
  • green pepper - 5%
  • wine - 5%

Select Recipes for spaghetti sauce (Ingredients Only)

Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs Toggle Dropdown

allrecipes.com

(4.5)

2 hours 20 min

  • - 1 pound lean ground beef
  • - 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • - 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • - ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1 egg, beaten
  • - ¾ cup chopped onion
  • - 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • - ¼ cup olive oil
  • - 2 (28 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • - 2 teaspoons salt
  • - 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • - 1 bay leaf
  • - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • - ¾ teaspoon dried basil
  • - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef Toggle Dropdown

allrecipes.com

(4.7)

1 hour 25 min

  • - 1 pound ground beef
  • - 1 onion, chopped
  • - 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • - 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • - 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • - 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • - 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • - 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - ½ teaspoon black pepper

Bevs Spaghetti Sauce Toggle Dropdown

food.com

(5)

1 hour 45 min

  • - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 1 medium onion, chopped
  • - 2 cloves garlic, minced (to taste)
  • - 2 bay leaves
  • - 1 teaspoon oregano
  • - 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • - 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • - 1 teaspoon salt (, or to taste)
  • - ground pepper
  • - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • - 2 (16 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • - 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • - 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced and sauteed in butter (optional)
  • - parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

My Super Simple Spaghetti Sauce Toggle Dropdown

food.com

(5)

30 min

  • - 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • - 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • - 2 tablespoons sugar (please adjust to your taste)
  • - 1/2 teaspoon basil
  • - 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (please adjust to your taste)

My Mama Iuliuccis Dont Skip a Step Spaghetti Sauce Toggle Dropdown

food.com

(5)

3 hours 15 min

  • - 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • - 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
  • - 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • - 1 tablespoon sugar
  • - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1 tablespoon parsley
  • - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup romano cheese
  • - 2 onions, chopped
  • - 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • - Italian sausage or home-made meatballs
  • - 1 -2 spareribs (optional)
  • - leftover cooked chicken thighs or chicken leg (optional)
  • - pepperoni (optional)

Garlic Spaghetti Sauce Toggle Dropdown

food.com

(5)

17 min

  • - 1/2 cup garlic (minced)
  • - 1/4 cup butter
  • - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • - 1/2 cup chopped basil or 1/2 cup parsley
  • - grated parmesan cheese

Easy Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Toggle Dropdown

seriouseats.com

2 hours

  • - 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • - 1 medium clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoons)
  • - 1 pound ground beef chuck
  • - 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
  • - 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
  • - 2 sprigs fresh marjoram leaves, chopped
  • - 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or in a food mill
  • - 1 (3 ounce) can tomato paste
  • - 3 tablespoons capers
  • - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • - 4 teaspoons juice from 1 lemon
  • - kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • - 1 bay leaf
  • - 1 pound pasta
  • - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Filipino Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Toggle Dropdown

seriouseats.com

25 min

  • - 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • - 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
  • - 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic (about 1 medium clove)
  • - 1 pound ground beef or pork
  • - 5 hot dogs (preferably Oscar Meyer wieners), cut into 1/4” slices
  • - 1 cup banana ketchup
  • - 2 cups tomato sauce
  • - 2 tablespoons sugar
  • - Kosher salt, to taste
  • - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • - 1 cup grated American or cheddar cheese, for serving
Common Ingredients in Spaghetti sauce Recipes (2024)
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