Are you a fan of Italian cuisine, but are confused about the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce? You’re not alone!

Many people tend to use these terms interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct types of tomato-based sauces. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce.

What Is Marinara Sauce?

Marinara sauce is a popular Italian tomato-based sauce that originated in Naples. It is a simple and quick recipe that consists of tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and herbs.

The herbs used in marinara sauce are typically basil, oregano, and parsley. The sauce is usually seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make Marinara Sauce

  1. Heat up olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and diced onions. Cook until the onions turn translucent.
  3. Add canned tomatoes (crushed or whole), salt, pepper, and the herbs of your choice.
  4. Cook for around 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Note: You can add some red pepper flakes if you like your marinara sauce spicy.

What Is Spaghetti Sauce?

Spaghetti sauce is a more complex version of marinara sauce. It includes additional ingredients such as meat (ground beef or pork), mushrooms, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Spaghetti sauce is also cooked for a longer time than marinara sauce to allow all the flavors to meld together.

How to Make Spaghetti Sauce

  1. Brown ground beef or pork in olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add canned tomatoes (crushed or whole), tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the herbs of your choice.
  4. Cook for around 1-2 hours until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Note: You can also add some red wine to spaghetti sauce for added depth of flavor.

The Key Differences

The main difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce is that marinara sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce that does not contain any meat or additional vegetables. It is typically used as a base for other sauces or as a topping for pizza.

Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, is a more complex tomato-based sauce that includes meat and vegetables. It is usually served with pasta dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna.

In Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce, you can choose which one to use depending on your recipe needs. Whether you prefer a simple tomato-based sauce or a more complex one with meat and veggies, both sauces are delicious in their own way. So go ahead and experiment with these recipes to find your perfect Italian-inspired dish!