How To Make Jarred Pasta Sauce Better

8 Ways to Elevate Canned Spaghetti Sauce

It’s Buttered Side Up, according to The Pioneer Woman I know what some of you are thinking: “Canned spaghetti sauce?! What are you talking about?” “That’s the work of the Devil!” I’m quite sure we can all agree that the finest spaghetti sauce will always be fresh, homemade spaghetti sauce. The same can be said for practically any handmade cuisine vs store-bought food. The fact is that we all have those days when our schedules are too hectic to devote the necessary time to making a great pasta sauce.

In the meanwhile, we’d want to eat something that genuinely resembles wholesome home-cooked fare.

When it comes to pasta sauces, I’ll be the first to say that the majority of them are rather bland straight from the jar.

My favorite techniques to make bottled spaghetti sauce more interesting are listed below!

1 – Extra virgin olive oil

Making your sauce taste better will be made easier by using a generous amount of a delicious olive oil in the recipe. You may either add it to the pot at the beginning of the cooking process or sprinkle it on right before serving as a finishing oil. It’s entirely up to you!

2 – Fresh garlic

Yes, I am aware that the ingredients for your bottled spaghetti sauce include garlic. The flavor will be more distinct and intense if you use fresh garlic, and the sauce will taste more homemade if you do it as well as you can.

3 – Meat

I enjoy adding extra protein to bottled spaghetti sauce when I make it from scratch. It enhances the flavor and adds a textural aspect to the dish. Furthermore, it will assist you in keeping your stomach full for a longer period of time! You may use any meat you have on hand, such as ground beef, sausage, meatballs, chicken, or a combination of meats. Begin by browning the beef in a skillet with the garlic until it is no longer pink. When the meat is just partly done, you may add the sauce and let it to continue cooking in the sauce, which will give additional flavor to the meat.

4 – Hot pepper flakes

Hot pepper flakes are another method to add a little additional spice to your dish. Yes, you could just buy hot Italian sausage for that extra burst of heat, but for those of us who are a little wary of spicy food, it’s good to be able to regulate the amount of heat we’re exposed to. Furthermore, some meats, such as ground beef, do not have a “hot” option. When you add the pepper flakes, it doesn’t really matter when you do it. All you have to do is keep in mind what it is you want spicy: the meat or the sauce?

And, no, I did not use all of the hot pepper flakes—just thinking about it makes me want to start sweating already!

5 – Red wine

Wine dramatically enhances the flavor of your sauce by adding another layer of complexity. Consider this to be similar to vanilla extract.

Given the limited time available to cook out the alcohol, you want to use only a small amount, just enough to flavor the sauce without imparting too much of an alcohol flavor. Depending on how much sauce you’re preparing, a few of teaspoons should be plenty.

6 – Fresh or dried herbs

Again, herbs may be included among the components in your sauce, but adding fresh or even dried herbs can assist to enhance the tastes. If you are using dried herbs, you may add them at any point throughout the cooking process. Using fresh herbs, you may wish to add them at the end or as a garnish to ensure that the fresh flavor is not lost in the cooking process.

7 – Cheese

Cheese, cheese, cheese. It may be used to conceal a variety of sins, including monotonous spaghetti sauces. If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can easily use cheddar, Colby, mozzarella, or whatever else you have on hand instead. I really prefer to use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella, that are more melty and a cheese that has more bite, such as Parmesan, in my dishes.

8 – Cream and/or butter

A buddy of mine taught me how to make a tomato sauce with cream for the first time. A red sauce had been prepared, and towards the end, after plating the pasta and sauce, he drizzled heavy cream on top of the dish. While I was watching, I was little terrified that the acidity of the tomatoes might cause the cream to split. However, after tasting the concoction, I was persuaded otherwise. It was just great. As an added richness, I like to sprinkle a small amount of cream on top of my spaghetti sauce before serving.

Oh, absolutely.

Make sure to tell us about your favorite additions in the comments section below!

You may be able to discover further information on this and other related items at the website piano.io.

How to Make Jarred Tomato Sauce Taste Homemade

Catherine De Orio, a friend of ours, is a chef, national culinary expert, and host of a cooking program. Aren’t we fortunate? When it comes to cooking hints and suggestions, she’s a fantastic resource to have on hand. She shares a few semi-homemade secrets with us in this section. Find out how to make jarred spaghetti sauce taste even better (almost if you prepared it from yourself) by continuing reading. Tomato sauce is one of my favorite foods. The fragrance of tomato sauce, referred to as “gravy” in my family, simmering all day on a Sunday burner brings back happy memories of time spent at home with my family and friends.

Here are ten steps to transforming a jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce into something more like home.

Step 1: Build A Flavorful Foundation

Everything tastes better when the garlic and onions are sautéed together.

Finely chopped onions and garlic are sautéed in olive oil until aromatic and golden, then the sauce is added and let to simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Crushed red pepper can be added to the sauce to give it a little heat.

Step 3: Go Green

Simmer the fresh herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, bay leaf) for a few minutes until they release their flavorful punch into the dish.

Step 4: Veg Out

Because many prepared sauces contain sugar, I prefer savory veggies such as mushrooms rather than sweet vegetables such as carrots. Make careful to brown the vegetables a little before adding them to the sauce to bring out their natural flavors.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

With a spoonful of Hunt’s tomato paste, you can thicken the sauce a little bit while also adding depth and richness to it.

Step 6: Add Body With Pasta Water

If you’re serving the sauce over pasta, save a small amount of the salty, starchy water (approximately 1/4 cup) aside; it will give the sauce body and help it cover the pasta better.

Step 7: More Cheese, Please

While the sauce is boiling, crumble in the rind of a piece of Parmesan cheese to give it a nutty, salty flavor that will complement the dish. Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese over the meal just before serving is a nice finishing touch. Do you want something a little heartier? Add a couple of tablespoons of ricotta cheese to make a rich and creamy tomato sauce by spooning it in.

Step 8: Carnivore Cravings

While the sauce is boiling, crumble in the rind of a piece of Parmesan cheese to give it a nutty, salty flavor that complements the dish. Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese over the meal just before serving is a nice finishing touch! Alternatively, you may like something more substantial. In order to make a thick and creamy tomato sauce, add a couple tablespoons of ricotta cheese.

Step 9: Wine About It

Take your favorite wine (I like to use a Sangiovese) and deglaze the pan after sautéing meat or vegetables so that all of the delicious brown pieces, known as fond, may be incorporated into your sauce and served over pasta or rice. Pour yourself a drink of wine while you’re doing it, because I always find cooking to be more soothing when I have a bottle of wine in hand!

Step 10: Simmer Down Now

It’s true what they say about not having to cook sauce all day, but it should simmer for a few minutes at the very least. You can, however, reduce the amount of time required. After a nice 20- to 30-minute simmer, you’ll have a lot richer, more delicious sauce to show for it.

Pro Tip

Catherine De Orio is a television personality, chef, and national culinary expert who specializes in fine dining.

16 Ways to Gussy Up Store-Bought Spaghetti Sauce

My objective for most weekday dinners is to lessen the amount of time that elapses between the time I walk into my apartment and the time I eat pasta. It goes without saying that the ultimate achievement would be to walk through the door while eating pasta (or, if angels have come, to arrive home to a table already laden with macaroni and cheese). Instead, I normally make sauce from scratch in 30-ish minutes, which takes me around 30 minutes total: Boiling water while changing clothes; cooking noodles while sautéing greens with fresh garlic; adding pasta to greens with a splash of cooking liquid and ample quantities of pecorino, olive oil, and fresh herbs; dumping onto a serving dish By using the microwave and the glass jars of marinara sauce that we usually had on hand, my parents, on the other hand, were able to cut down on the time it took from door to pasta.

Cook the pasta and microwave the sauce, then combine the two ingredients and silence your eager crew of youngsters.

It is also quicker than simmering down canned tomatoes, which, despite the warnings, I don’t always keep on hand in my cupboard.

Some jars of tomato sauce are far superior to others in terms of taste and texture.

Look for sauces that are made with whole tomatoes and have no additional sugar. Here are some of Cook’s Illustrated’s favorite places to visit. Here’s how to quickly and simply dress up a jar of spaghetti sauce (even if it’s not fully homemade).

The bare-bones, do-this-one-thing approach:

1.Bring it to a simmer on the stovetop or in the oven. You may concentrate the taste of your sauce by cooking it down until part of the water has evaporated, leaving you with a sauce that is thicker and more tomato-flavored. Allow your sauce to simmer on the stovetop for at least 10 to 20 minutes while your pot of soup is heating up and your noodles are cooking. Alternatively, pour the sauce into a Dutch oven or baking dish and bake it at 300° F for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Yes, this will add a few more minutes to your cooking time, but you’ll need to heat up the sauce before mixing it with your pasta anyhow.

If you really want to go above and beyond (or if you’re an Instant Pot fanatic), try it this way.

Let’s assume you don’t have time to boil your sauce (or you’ve reduced it but it’s still missing flavor), you may add a dollop or two of tomato paste, which is a paste made from tomato paste.

Bonus points if you can extract the maximum amount of flavor from your tomato paste by sautéing it in hot olive oil before incorporating it into the sauce.

For extra credit, take on any—or all—of the following:

3.Explore your spice drawer and condiment cubby: If your sauce is lacking in depth and complexity, open your pantry or refrigerator and begin experimenting with different spices. Depending on your preferences, you may opt for hot (Sriracha, gochujang (Korean chili paste) or smokey (smoked paprika, sliced chipotles in adobo) or fruity (roasted red peppers, Calabrian chiles) and then mix and match until you reach your desired flavor profile. It’s important to taste frequently to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the flavors.

An often-discarded cheese rind may make a pot of simple beans more salty and delicious, and it can also invigorate a stale tomato sauce by adding salt and savory flavors.
5.While we’re on the subject of a saltyje ne sais quoi, how about an anchovy?
Add a few crushed garlic bulbs if you have them, then pour in your tomato sauce and bring everything to a simmer.
6.Make use of the nutritional benefits of sautéed veggies.
I normally stick to the bare essentials of onion and garlic, although mirepoix or a couple handfuls of sliced mushrooms can make for tasty accompaniments.
7.Embrace the flavor of the garlic.Most store-bought sauces contain at least some garlic, but the flavor is typically muted by the time it reaches your table.
If you want a deeper, sweeter taste, crush a few roasted garlic cloves and toss them into the sauce while it’s simmering to give it a richer, sweeter flavor.

Try apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, capers, chopped olives, or lemon juice as a base for your marinade or dressing.

In order to maintain as much vibrant freshness as possible, stir in the dressing at the conclusion of the cooking procedure.

A sprinkle or two of sugar can be used to balance an acidic sauce (it helps the medication to dissolve!).

Continue to cook the sauce while adding granulated sugar a sprinkle or two, stirring and tasting after each addition, until the sauce has reached your desired sweetness.

10.Brighten with a splash of brine.

After heating the sauce for a few minutes, toss in some chopped or whole, pitted olives and/or a handful of drained capers.

11.Basil!

The following are examples of “basil leaves” that can be found floating around in store-bought jars.

To rectify the problem, add freshly torn basil towards the conclusion of the cooking process so that the scent of the basil permeates the entire pot of sauce.

Finish your sauce with a pat of butter, a splash of cream or coconut cream, or a tablespoon of yogurt, crème fraîche, or sour cream to make it rich and luscious in texture.

Just before serving, drizzle in a small amount of olive oil to give the sauce the same richness and sheen of butter without adding any dairy.

A spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone lends a little sweetness to the creaminess, while soft goat cheese or simply plain cream cheese adds tangy richness to the bland tomato sauce, bringing it to the next level.

15.Make it hearty and filling.

Tomato sauce goes well with crumbled Italian sausage (mild or hot for the heat-seekers), ground beef, pig, or lamb, all of which can be prepared in a variety of ways.

16.Make use of the pasta water that you have left behind.

Even while you won’t want to add a lot of water to the dish, a good spray of that starchy water will assist the sauce stick to the noodles (butyou knew that already). What are your favorite ways to jazz up store-bought sauce? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Doctored up Spaghetti Sauce (from a jar)

It has been doctored up I prepare spaghetti sauce virtually every single week, and it’s one of my favorite dishes. Beginning with a regular jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce, this method transforms it into a robust meat sauce that can be used in a variety of different meals. Everyone can agree that a red sauce usually tastes better after it has been allowed to sit for a number of days. Using a jar of sauce just adds to the flavor of the meat sauce, which has been simmering all day.

How to doctor up a jar of spaghetti sauce:

It all starts with the addition of vegetables and ground meat. The flavors of onion, bell pepper, and garlic are fantastic! This vegetable combination is the foundation of many of my meals, and for good reason! I put the veggies in the pan with the meat at the same time and cook everything together until it’s done. It enhances the taste of the meat while also saving time. We often use ground beef, but you may substitute any of the other ingredients listed below.

What other kind of meat can you add to spaghetti sauce?

Ground beef, ground turkey, Italian sausage (I would only advocate using this for half of your meat), and venison are all good options.

Once the meat and vegetables have been seasoned and cooked, you may add the jar of your favorite sauce, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and any other ingredients you like. The sauce is then cooked for 20 minutes, after which you may add a handful of parmesan cheese for even more delectable flavor.

Recipes using spaghetti sauce:

Cheesy Lasagna, Italian Pasta Bake, Stuffed Shells with Spinach, and more dishes are available.

Our favorite way to consume this pork sauce is over a simple spaghetti dish like this one! Simply cook your pasta, combine it with the sauce, then top it with more parmesan cheese to make it delicious! It is not uncommon for us to prepare a double batch of this doctored up spaghetti sauce and keep it in the freezer for a quick weekday supper. Simply defrost in the refrigerator before re-heating over a low heat in a saucepan.

Doctored up Spaghetti Sauce (from a jar)

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Course:dinner American and Italian cuisines are available. Servings:6people

2tablespoonsolive oil
2poundsground beef(or a mixture of beef and turkey)
1small yellow onion(diced)
1small green bell pepper(diced)
1teaspoonsalt
4garlic cloves(minced)
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoonitalian seasoning
24ouncejar of store-bought pasta sauce
14.5ouncecan of petite diced tomatoesdrained
2tablespoonst

Prepare the vegetables by chopping the onion and pepper, as well as mincing the garlic cloves, before starting. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil, ground beef, vegetables, and 1 teaspoon of salt
Cook, stirring, until the ground meat is browned. To finish, cook until the meat is completely browned and the vegetables are tender. (Approximately 7-10 minutes)
Remove the meat/vegetable combination from the pan and place it back in the pan with the fat
Add in the spaghetti sauce, drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and another 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
Stir well to combine
Serve immediately. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes After 20 minutes, throw in the parmesan cheese and mix well. Stir until the chocolate is melted
Serve over spaghetti or chill and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How to Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better

It would be wonderful if we could make a fresh pot of spaghetti sauce every time we cooked noodles, but for most of us — especially busy parents — that is just not the case. When you’re looking for a quick and simple weeknight meal, it’s typically quicker to grab a jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce. Using jarred pasta sauce can give the impression of making your own from scratch. In reality, there are a variety of kitchen techniques that can be used to make jarred spaghetti sauce taste just as excellent as your grandmother’s homemade version.

We’ll cover all you need to know about improving canned pasta sauce in this article.

7 Ways to Improve the Taste of Jar Pasta Sauce

For further information on how to improve the flavor of that jar of spaghetti sauce lying in your cabinet, consider the following seven suggestions:

1. Sautee Some Veggies

Start by sauteeing some garlic in olive oil on your stovetop before adding it to your container of spaghetti sauce. Even though garlic is listed as an ingredient in the majority of store-bought pasta sauces, adding fresh garlic will enhance the flavor and make it more distinct and robust. Overall, the sauce has a more handmade flavor as a result of this. Add some additional veggies to the pan with the garlic, such as sliced onions, chopped peppers, and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are tender.

In addition to providing an additional source of nutrients, adding fresh vegetables will result in a sauce that is hearty, tasty, and has a handmade taste.

2. Mix in Some Meat

After you’ve finished cooking your vegetables, you may use the same pan to brown some ground beef to add to your sauce at a later time. The addition of meat to your canned pasta sauce will do wonders for the flavor and quality of the sauce. The flavor of your sauce will be enhanced by browning and adding some sausage, turkey, chicken, or ground beef. This will also add more texture to your sauce, give it a heartier flavor, and improve the protein content. To obtain that authentic Italian flavor in your canned pasta sauce, Italian sausage is one of the best meats to use.

As an added plus, including some protein-dense sausage into your spaghetti sauce helps keep your family feeling fuller for extended periods of time.

3. Add a Splash of Red Wine

Pour a small amount of red wine into the pan if you truly want to make restaurant-quality pasta sauce. With the addition of wine, the tastes of the sauce are elevated to a new level of complexity, giving jarred pasta sauce a depth that it would otherwise be lacking. For the same reason that you won’t have enough time to completely cook out the alcohol, you’ll want to use only a small amount of red wine in your sauce to enhance its flavor without imparting too much of an alcohol flavor — similar to baking with vanilla extract — to avoid a strong aftertaste of alcohol.

Then, using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any pieces of veggies or meat that have adhered to the bottom.

Culinary with the use of this stove tip will allow you to include tastes into your sauce that would otherwise have been burned onto the cooking surface.

4. Spice It Up

To make your canned spaghetti sauce taste like it came directly from the garden, use fresh herbs in addition to dried herbs. Even while the pre-made sauce may already contain certain herbs, adding your own will assist to improve the tastes of the dish overall. Adding strips of basil, a sprig of thyme, or a sprig of oregano to your sauce may elevate it to a whole new level. Although fresh herbs and spices have a stronger flavor, dried herbs and spices can be just as effective. Adding some red pepper flakes, a touch of parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to your bottled pasta sauce might help it stand out from the crowd.

If you really want to make your spaghetti sauce stand out, try using a stronger ingredient such as olives, lemon zest, or capers.

Depending on the ingredient you choose, you may substantially brighten or deepen the color of your meal. Along with these seasonings, you may add a little amount of tomato paste to the sauce to enhance the tomato taste and thicken it if it appears to be too liquid.

5. Get Cheesy

When it comes to cooking pasta, there are no restrictions on the amount of cheese that may be used. Incorporating cheese into your sauce might help to make the flavors of your sauce more complex. You may use a variety of cheeses in your sauces and pasta dishes, ranging from mozzarella to Parmesan, depending on what you’re creating and what you like. A softer cheese may improve the texture of your spaghetti by making it more pliable. By way of example, topping the dish with a dollop of ricotta before serving it may give the sauce a pleasantly creamy texture.

6. Stir in More Dairy

Adding a small amount of heavy cream or milk just before serving your sauce may transform it into something creamy and luxurious. By making your sauce more silky and smooth, you’ll be improving its ability to hold on to the spaghetti as well as adhere to the pasta. Instead of using cheese, if you don’t have any on hand, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the sauce after it has been removed from the pan to help the flavors mix and cover the noodles more evenly. A pat of butter whisked into your spaghetti sauce just before you take it from the heat will give your dish a professional chef touch.

7. Pop It in the Oven

Using canned spaghetti sauce in a baked pasta dish is a recipe that will never go wrong. Pre-made pasta sauce bakes in the oven as the sugars caramelize as they cook down and deepen as they absorb flavors from other components in the dish as it bakes in the oven. Jarred pasta sauce is an excellent choice for baked pasta meals such as lasagna, meatballs, and baked ziti, among others.

Purchase Premio Italian Sausage at a Store Near You

The greatest ingredients available will ensure that your jarred pasta sauce is a hit with your family and friends. A broad range of Italian sausages are available from Premio Foods, all of which are produced from fresh ingredients with no fillers – just the way sausage should be! Along with traditional Italian sausage items, we also offer a variety of specialized Italian sausage selections that will enhance the flavor of your pasta meals even more. Find a Premio Foods sausage in a shop near you now if you want to transform your bottled spaghetti sauce into something that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant.

Enhance That Jar of Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients

The original recipe yields a total of 20 servings. The ingredient list has been updated to match the number of servings stated.

Directions

Melt the butter and olive oil in a small pan over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Cook and toss the mushrooms in the butter mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are tender. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are extremely black and shriveled in size, adding 1/4 cup red wine as needed to keep the liquid from boiling away. Advertisement: Place a large saucepan over medium heat and cook until boiling. Using a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the onion, diced tomatoes, red pepper, green pepper, and garlic until the meat is thoroughly browned, about 10 minutes
Season with oregano, basil, and rosemary. Add 3/4 cup red wine and the tomato paste to the meat mixture and stir well. Pour the spaghetti sauce into the saucepan and toss it around. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook until the flavors have melded, 10 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 122 calories; 5.7 grams of protein; 10.2 grams of carbs; 5.7 grams of fat; 17.6 milligrams of cholesterol; 251 milligrams of sodium Nutrition in its entirety

13 Tips To Make Jarred Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade

How would you want to make that jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce taste more like the genuine thing? Here are some simple techniques for infusing handmade flavor into canned spaghetti sauce. In addition, I’ll share a simple recipe for transforming plain-Jane commercial marinara and spaghetti sauce into a chunky, meaty, spicy, irresistible sauce that’s perfect over your favorite linguini, tossed in your next penne bake, or spooned over roasted spaghetti squash (or any other squash you like).

It is common for me to keep a jar or two of plain marinara sauce on hand for quick and easy dinners, but that does not mean I use the pasta sauce straight out of the jar every time.

No way in hell. Here are some basic techniques and a couple of entertaining tactics for making your store-bought spaghetti sauce taste more like homemade.

1. Choose simple jarred pasta sauce

Buy simple marinara sauce to start with– preferably one that does not contain any sugar or corn syrup– and follow the recipe from there. The store-brandstend has shown to be the most effective for me. They often have the fewest ingredients and have the nicest taste. Also, avoid sauces that contain extra vegetables or are enhanced with cheese, as well as creamy sauces and wine-infused sauces. They don’t have the handmade flavor you’re looking for, yet it’s simple to achieve with a few ingredients from your refrigerator and pantry.

2. Choose the right pan

To doctor the pasta sauce into the pan, use a 10′′-12′′ skillet with 2′′ to 3′′ high edges and a tight-fitting cover. If you try to accomplish this in a 2-3 quart saucepan, it will take an eternity since saucepans are narrow and tall, rather than broad and shallow, and as a result, you will spend an excessive amount of time stirring and boiling down the vegetables, meat, and other components. I prefer to cook in a large skillet, especially while cooking mushrooms, since it allows them to brown without being crowded.

3. Load up on veggies

Fresh vegetables will breathe fresh life into your premade spaghetti sauce, but they must first be sautéed before being added to the sauce. Don’t put raw veggies immediately into the sauce; they’ll either be crunchy or will take an hour to soften depending on how long they’ve been cooking. Cook chopped veggies in a few tablespoons of olive oil, or some rendered fat from sausage or ground beef, until they’re soft and aromatic, about 10 minutes. This gives the spaghetti sauce a chunky handmade taste when combined with it.

Great veggie additions:

For those who like a rich meaty sauce, they can choose for a classic hamburger or experiment with some delectable alternatives. Cook your protein of choice in a skillet until it is browned, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. If there is any fat remaining in the skillet, drain it all except for about 1 tablespoon (which will be used to sauté the vegetables). You will not need as much if you are substituting pancetta, pepperoni, or salami for the bacon. If you’re making a 24-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce, one-half to three-quarter cup should be plenty.

Ground beef, Italian sausage, ground pork, and leftover chicken are all good options.

Ground turkey, ground chicken, pulled pork, ground bison
All of these are options.

5. Raid the pantry

You’d be amazed at how nicely antipasto dishes pair with a classic pasta sauce like Alfredo. With the addition of olives, artichokes, and sweet roasted peppers, tinned tomato sauce will take on a whole new flavor profile. There’s no need to heat canned vegetables; simply drain them thoroughly and chop them finely (if necessary) to create a chunky pasta sauce that’s bursting with Italian flavors.

6. The spice jar

Incorporating dried herbs and spices into pre-made marinara can significantly improve its flavor and/or entirely modify the sauce’s appearance. Yes, the typical herbs such as basil, oregano, marjoram, and bay leaf are OK. However, a dash of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes will give this dish a fiery, tempting kick. Also, try chopping up entire fennel seed to bring forth a subtle anise taste that is characteristic of Italy. Sauté the veggies with the spices for a few minutes, until the fragrances begin to fill the room.

It just takes a minute for the garlic to get aromatic, and if the chopped garlic is introduced too soon after the vegetables, it will burn.

7. The wino and I know…

Sauces made from jars benefit from a few sips of wine (red or white) or other types of alcohol to enhance their flavor. When it comes to wine, choose a brand that you enjoy drinking. It does not have to be an expensive bottle of wine; just a quality table wine would suffice. To make the sauce, use around 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Pro Tip: I pour the wine right into the pasta sauce container, screw on the top, then shake it up to mix everything together. The wine will loosen any remaining marinara sauce in the jar, allowing you to pour it directly into the spaghetti sauce together with the wine at the same time, saving you time.

8. Moo-ve over

Simple canned spaghetti sauce may be converted into a rich, creamy, and luxurious sauce by adding. you guessed it. cream. Cream. To thicken a store-bought marinara, whisk in heavy whipping cream (or normal) and cook at a moderate boil until the sauce has thickened. When heated, heavy whipping cream is sufficiently stable to ensure that it does not degrade. In comparison to whole milk, half and half has a lower fat level and is less rough; if you want to use half and half, wait until you’ve removed the sauce from the heat before whisking it in.

9. Let’s talk cheese

If you have a leftover rind of parmesan, pecorino romano, or other end-piece remains of hard Italian cheese, you may add them into your sauce to simmer while the rest of the ingredients cook (just be sure to fish it out before serving). Any pasta sauce that includes the rind will have a deeper umami flavor (or soup). Of course, you may always top your spaghetti with more cheese if you like. Consider using grated parmesan and pecorino cheese instead of the more traditional technique and topping your doctored-up spaghetti sauce with pieces of fresh mozzarella or a scoop of ricotta for an authentic flavor of home.

10. Fresh herbs

Adding fresh herbs to the sauce while it is simmering, or after it has finished cooking, increases the freshness aspect. Fresh thyme, basil, or parsley are excellent herbs to use when cooking. When using fresh oregano, be sure to use a little quantity (1/2 -1 teaspoon) because fresh oregano may be overwhelming. Although rosemary is a touch too aromatic and piney for tomato sauce, if you like it, add it sparingly in your recipe. Garnish your homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh basil, parsley, or a combination of the two.

11. Give it a little time

As soon as you’ve created your sauce, turn the heat down to medium low and allow it to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. While cooking, stir the pot regularly, but keep it covered to prevent the contents from burning. That small amount of simmering time will undoubtedly improve your spaghetti sauce and bring out the taste of the chunky handmade ingredients.

12. Sea food? Eat it!

In the mood for seafood? It’s simple to make a store-bought spaghetti sauce more fish-friendly by substituting fresh seafood for the beef. Using your preferred vegetables, spices, and wine, make a canned pasta sauce and then top it with your favorite ingredients (in the shell for clams and mussels, or peeled shrimp). Stir occasionally for 10-12 minutes after covering with the lid. The shells will pop open, and you’ll have a delicious and simple Fruits de Mer on your hands. Canned sardines are my go-to ingredient for infusing marine flavor into any premade pasta sauce recipe.

They disintegrate in the sauce and leave a clean, saline taste that is not overbearing in the least bit. Give it a go. If you’re making a seafood pasta, you may exclude the dairy, cheese, and meat altogether. Add half a cup of clam juice to the mix to give it a more seafood taste (or evenClamato).

Great seafood and shellfish options:

Clams (fresh or frozen)
Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
Bay scallops
Canned sardines

Mussels (fresh or canned)
Clams (canned or fresh)
Langostinos (fresh or frozen)

Calamari, lobster tails, fresh or frozen crawfish tails (shelled), and other seafood are available.

13. Pasta water

If your sauce becomes too thick, use this restaurant tip and add roughly 1/2 ladle of pasta cooking water at a time until it thins down again. (In this case, the water in which the spaghetti is being cooked.) Not only will the water thin out the sauce, but the starch from the noodles will also give the sauce a little body and thickness. Grab a jar of marinara the next time you find yourself wondering, “What should I make for dinner?” then go through your refrigerator and pantry for ideas. It’s right there, and you can do it yourself.

What to serve with doctored up pasta sauce:

Crispy Belgian Endive and Walnut Salad
Crusty French Bread with Boursin Cheese
Cheddar Chive Popovers
Simple Green Leaf Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette Drop Biscuits made with only three ingredients

Cheater’s Spicy Turkey MushroomWine Pasta Sauce

The following is a classic method of enhancing a basic jar of marinara for pasta night. It’s thick, rich, and meaty, and it’s packed with easily recognizable vegetables. It goes well with pasta, zoodles, spaghetti squash, and other similar dishes. Course Course I: The Main Course Cuisines include American and Italian. Spaghetti sauce made by cheaters, spaghetti sauce made by cheaters Preparation time: 15 minutes Preparation time: 20 minutes Time allotted: 35 minutes Servings4

FOR DOCTORED MARINARA SAUCE:

2tablespoonssolive oil divided
1poundhot italian turkey sausage removed from casings
8ouncesmushrooms
1mediumonionchopped
1/2bell pepperchopped
1 carrotpeeled and diced
1-2large cloves garlicminced
1/2taspoondried basil
1/2taspoondried oregano
1/4taspooncrushed red pepper flakes
1/2cupred wine
1/2cup Optional: garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
Optional: parmesan rind

In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat until shimmering. Break up the turkey sausage with the back of a spoon or fork once it has been added. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are largely cooked. Transfer the meat to a large mixing basin and set it away for later
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet and turn it back on to medium heat. Cook the mushrooms in a single layer, tossing them periodically, until they have reduced by approximately half and have browned, about 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the onion, bell pepper, and carrots with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the garlic, crushed fennel seed, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes until everything is evenly distributed. Allow the garlic and herbs to cook for one minute, or until they are aromatic. Return the turkey to the stove and whisk in the marinara sauce and wine until well combined. You can boil the sauce with the rind of one or more parmesan cheeses if you have any leftover
However, you must take the rind out before serving. Cover with a cover, decrease the heat to medium, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring periodically, until the vegetables are tender. If the sauce begins to burn or becomes too thick, you may thin it out by adding a little more wine (approximately 1/4 cup) or half a ladle of pasta water.

Pin “13 Tips To Make Jarred Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade” For Later!

Allow me to demonstrate how to make canned spaghetti sauce taste like it was cooked from scratch the easiest way. This spaghetti sauce is really wonderful and quite simple to prepare. This dish does not call for a large number of ingredients, and it can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package while making the spaghetti. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it is very hot. After that, drizzle with the olive oil. In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about a minute, or until the onions are transparent, then remove from the heat. 3- At this point, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring constantly, until the ground meat is browned. It will take around 4-5 minutes to complete this task. 4- Add in the canned tiny diced tomatoes and the spaghetti sauce and mix well. Shake things up a little bit. After that, add the dry Italian herb spice, the oregano, and the black pepper to the pan and mix well. Make sure everything is well-mixed. Cover the pan and bring it to a boil for a few minutes before adding the chopped basil leaves. 5- Last but not least, add the sugar. Make sure you sample it before you buy it. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for approximately 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce so that the noodles may absorb the flavor of the sauce. Serve and take pleasure in it

Recipe with fewer ingredients (keyword) How to improve the quality of jarred pasta sauce Spaghetti with meat sauce in a jar, spaghetti sauce recipe, and spaghetti with meat sauce

Here’s How To Make Store-Bought Marinara Sauce Better

Because, let’s face it, in an ideal world, we’d make homemade pomodoro sauce every night, but in reality, we grab for the jar of store-bought marinara rather frequently. Despite the fact that there are lots of fantastic sauces available at the grocery store, we find ourselves needing to amp up the taste on occasion. There are a plethora of things you can do to improve store-bought marinara sauce, like adding more flavor, herbs, and cheese. What’s the first step? It’s good to the taste! You’ll find a vast variety of flavors in each marinara sauce, and depending on the brand or variety, you’ll be eating a variety of dishes.

1. Build flavor with garlic and onion.

The addition of fresh garlic and onion to a meal, particularly marinara, may make all the difference. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Once heated, add 1/2 diced onion (a red, yellow, or sweet onion would suffice), and either chopped or crushed garlic cloves, stirring constantly. Cook them together until the onions are transparent, at which point you may add part of the marinara sauce and mix everything together thoroughly.

2.Break out the parm rinds.

One of our favorite methods to add flavor to sauces, soups, and stews is to use the rind of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The taste of only a 1-2 inch piece of meat cooked for 15 minutes with sauce is very rich and salty.

3. Don’t forget the basil.

A few sprigs of basil are added to give the dish the classic sweet Italian flavor that we all know and adore. You may also garnish with a few sprigs of fresh basil after you’ve added the parm rind, such as torn or chopped basil at the conclusion of the cooking process.

4.Kick it up with Calabrian chili paste.

It’s no secret that Giada adores Calabrian chiles, and she believes that they go exceptionally well with tomato sauce. Despite the fact that Calabrian chili paste provides a significant degree of heat, it also imparts a wonderful taste to dishes. Don’t have access to it? Choose a generous sprinkling of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!

5. It’s better with butter!

Giada swears by the practice of adding a spoonful of butter to her tomato sauce at the very end of the cooking process. It just takes a tiny bit of butter to radically transform the texture of a sauce, making it silky and creamy! Cheers to a good meal! The Giadzy Kitchen contributed to this article.

10 Easy Tricks to Make Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade

There’s nothing better than fresh, handmade tomato sauce, but in order for the flavors to properly emerge, the sauce should be simmered for several hours. And while it is very worthwhile to do so if you have the time, it is not always possible on some evenings. That is where the pre-made items come into play. Jarred pasta sauce isn’t the same as fresh pasta sauce, but it’s a cinch to spice up when you’re in a hurry and need something delicious. Here are 10 tips for making store-bought spaghetti or marinara sauce taste like you cooked it yourself if you don’t want anybody to find out about your “secret recipe.”

1. Start with Sautéed Vegetables

Prepare the veggies by chopping them up and sautéing them in a little oil before adding the sauce. Onions, peppers, carrots, and garlic are all fantastic additions, but you may use any vegetables you choose. The idea is to include some sort of fresh vegetable to give it the appearance and flavor like a freshly produced homemade sauce.

2. Add Some Meat

Grease a skillet with ground beef, turkey, or sausage to add gobs of flavor to your sauce while also making it heartier and more substantial. However, make sure to drain it well before adding the remaining ingredients because you do not want any excess oil in your sauce.

3. Spice It Up

A few herbs and spices may make a significant difference in the flavor of a pre-made sauce. If you enjoy a little spice, you may add a teaspoon or two of thyme, oregano, basil, or even a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dish. It’s important to realize that some of these components may already be present in your sauce, so don’t go crazy with them. If the sauce appears to be too liquid, thicken it with a few teaspoons of tomato paste to give it a richer tomato flavor while also thickening it.

4. Deglaze Your Pan

Cooking vegetables or meat in a pan before adding the sauce will allow any portions that have adhered to the bottom of the pan to come to the surface and be released more easily.

This is referred to as deglazing, and it aids in the incorporation of all the ingredients into your sauce that would otherwise be burned on the surface of the cooking pan.

5. Add a Spoonful of Sugar

Although it may seem unusual, a small amount of sugar may help bring the flavors of a tomato sauce together. It helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes while also enhancing their natural sweetness. If your sauce is already acidic, a teaspoon to a tablespoon of vinegar should be plenty, and you may not need any at all. It’s all a question of personal choice.

6. Let It Simmer

Allow your sauce to boil for a few minutes if you have the luxury of time. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes, it will assist to concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce significantly.

7. Throw in a Handful of Greens

By concealing greens in your spaghetti sauce, you may obtain an additional serving of veggies. Just before serving, add a handful of spinach, chopped kale, or basil strips to make a healthier, heartier sauce by stirring them in just before serving.

8. Save Some Pasta Water

Save some of the cooking water from your pasta and add it to your tomato sauce a few tablespoons at a time after it’s completed cooking, as needed. The starchiness of the pasta water aids in the binding of the ingredients and the improvement of the texture.

9. Add a Little Dairy

Just before serving, whisk in roughly a half-cup of heavy cream or milk to make the sauce creamy and rich in texture. My personal preference is to use a scoop of ricotta cheese, but you can also use cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche if you like. It imparts silkiness to the texture and improves the coating of the pasta. If you have any parmesan rind leftover, you may put it in as well while the dish is cooking to add richness to the flavor.

10. Finish with Butter

When the sauce has been cooked through and you’re ready to remove it from the heat, add a pat of butter and whisk well. It may appear unusual, but it is a tactic that expert cooks employ in a variety of sauces. A tablespoon or two increases the flavor depth and smoothness of the texture, while also helping to reduce the acidity of the dish. Are there any ways you use to jazz up canned spaghetti sauce that you would want to share? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. Do you want to learn how to use Microsoft Excel and improve your chances of landing a job working from home?

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Images courtesy of Shutterstock of sautéed onions, Bolognese sauce, jarred sauces, butter, and parmesan cheese

This Will Make Store-Bought Tomato Sauce Taste So Much Better

Additionally, it takes very little time. Cooking your own tomato sauce is a fantastic thing to do, but it is not always practical to do so throughout the course of a hectic weekday when dinner needs to be put together in a matter of minutes. Alternatively, you may be preparing a time-consuming meal such as lasagna and would like to save some time in the kitchen. Sometimes you simply have to crack open a jar of store-bought tomato sauce and eat it right now.

There are several decent types of tomato sauce available at your local supermarket (we prefer Rao’s), but they might all benefit from a little improvement. This is something that can be accomplished in a short period of time.

Heat it

Never serve store-bought spaghetti sauce directly from the jar, even if you’re pouring it over something that’s sizzling hot, such as cooked pasta or meatballs, according to the package directions. It just takes a few minutes on the burner to bring all of the components together, which improves the flavor and scent of the finished product significantly. Allow the sauce to reduce on a low heat for 15 to 30 minutes, if you have the luxury of time. Sugar and other substances will be concentrated, resulting in a more intense flavor.

Add butter

Yes, you are correct. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in a couple tablespoons of butter, letting it melt into the sauce. While using a small amount of butter to make tomato sauce may seem weird to some, it adds richness and smoothness to the sauce while also balancing out excessive acidity, which is prevalent in canned sauces.

Spice it up

If you’re using a simple tomato sauce (marinara), you may add seasonings to it to give it a little more taste. Red pepper flakes, dehydrated or fresh garlic, dried oregano, parsley, or basil, or an Italian seasoning mix are all excellent additions to a dish of roasted vegetables. Dried herbs and spices should be put at the beginning of the cooking period so that they have time to blossom before being cooked further. Fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, should be added at the conclusion of the cooking process, just before serving the sauce.

In comparison to fresh herbs, the leaves have a slimy feel and don’t provide much flavor to the sauce, whereas fresh herbs do.

How to Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better — The Coffee Mom

Learn how to make jarred spaghetti sauce even better. You may go from premade spaghetti sauce to a sauce that tastes almost like it was prepared from scratch! When I married into an Italian family, I immediately realized that canned spaghetti sauce was not the best choice when it came to preparing supper for the entire family. Hearing stories about how my grandmother would spend a whole day cooking fresh sauce may have made me feel a little apprehensive. But it also motivated me to do better in the future.

Those days, however, are long gone.

Spaghetti with red sauce is a delicious weekday dish that is both healthy and affordable. It is affordable, it makes a large quantity, and it is often enjoyed by even the pickiest eaters. I’m a working mom. It is difficult to balance job and freelancing, as well as keeping up with the activities of my children and attempting to keep the house fairly tidy. Some times, cooking supper just requires a short amount of time. Having said that, just because I want supper to be quick and affordable does not rule out the possibility of it being excellent.

I will not compromise my taste for the sake of convenience, and you should not either! The preparation of delicious cuisine does not have to be expensive, nor does it have to be hard.

How to Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better

The core of this piece will be revealed shortly. It has been requested that I share my method for transforming canned spaghetti sauce into a nice weeknight supper for my half-Italian household. First and foremost, you must have meat on hand! Italian sausage is one of my favorite ingredients to use in spaghetti sauce. Depending on your own preferences, you can use mild, spicy, or sweet Italian sausage in this recipe. Begin by chopping up your sausage and frying it in the bottom of your pan until it is cooked through.

Just a little bit of browning.
Onions, peppers, tomatoes, and minced garlic are diced and added to the pan.
If you truly want to take your jarred spaghetti sauce to the next level, you should incorporate some red wine into the mix.
Almost every day, my children consume this dish!
Red wine is traditionally thought to pair well with red spaghetti sauce, but there are a plethora of other red wines to pick from these days.
You can choose something in the middle of the road.
You don’t have to put in a lot of it; just enough to cover the bottom of the pan would suffice.

Surprising Pasta Sauce Additions

You may now include the real jarred spaghetti sauce in your recipe! Fill the container with it and we’ll spice it up a little more. One thing I usually do, which may come as a surprise to you, is add a pinch of sugar to the mix. Sugar in its purest form. It contributes to lowering the amount of acidity that can be detected in the sauce! It may seem unusual at first, but believe me when I say that it makes a delightful difference. Along with a pinch of sugar, you can also add some Italian spice, pepper, or fresh herbs to your sauce to truly bring the taste profile of your sauce to the next level.

Balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your sauce, and you only need a modest amount (approximately 1 tablespoon) to achieve this.

My cooking used to be very measured, but now that I’ve been at it for a while, it’s become more relaxed. I prefer to simply eyeball things and make the best decision I can. With the exception of baking. Use accurate quantities whenever possible when baking.

Simmer Your Sauce

All of the other ingredients have been added to your sauce, and it is now time to let it simmer. Simmering time can vary depending on how much time you have available, but it should take anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Give it a good swirl every now and then while it’s simmering. To finish it off, simply spoon it over some noodles and sprinkle with cheese before digging in!

How to Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better

How to Improve the Taste of Jar Pasta Sauce!

1diced onion
1diced bell pepper
1diced tomato
1tbsp minced garlic
1lb Italian sauce
2jars pasta sauce
1pinch sugar
1tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup red wine
1tbsp red wine
1tb

Cook the Italian sausage until it is browned, then add your diced veggies and minced garlic. Add a few minutes at a time until they begin to soften
Add your Red Wine to the mix. Stir until everything is well-combined. In a large mixing bowl, combine your spaghetti sauce with the sugar, balsamic vinegar, and spices of your choosing
Allow for 30 minutes to 2 hours of simmering time. Serve with spaghetti and take pleasure in it