Name: Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ½ lb ground Italian sausage + ½ lb ground beef); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 medium onion, chopped; 15 oz tomato sauce; 6 oz tomato paste; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes; 1 tsp garlic powder; Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 cup water; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional); Spaghetti noodles

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 29 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, bursting-with-flavor pasta sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve got to try the Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying sauce that combines rich ground beef with vibrant tomato flavors and a blend of aromatic herbs. This sauce is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress any guest. Once you master this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for cozy, comforting spaghetti nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a thick red sauce with chunks of tomatoes and brown ground meat cooking in a black cast iron pan on a stovetop burner. The sauce has a chunky texture with visible pieces of onions, and a wooden spoon is resting inside the pan on the right side. The stovetop surface is shiny and metallic, with a spiral burner coil visible behind the pan. The background includes part of a stovetop control panel in light blue and silver. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in creating that signature depth of flavor and perfect texture in the sauce. Each component—from the savory ground beef to the fresh basil—brings something special that makes this dish truly irresistible.

1 lb ground beef or ½ lb ground Italian sausage + ½ lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base with a hint of spice if using sausage.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and slightly pungent flavor that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
15 oz tomato sauce: Gives the sauce a smooth, rich tomato foundation.
6 oz tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds thickness.
½ tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings warmth and depth.
1 tbsp dried parsley flakes: Adds color and a mild herbaceous note.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering.
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste: Adds a gentle spicy kick that can be adjusted as you like.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami and gives complexity to the sauce.
1 tbsp granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
1 cup water: Helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
¼ cup fresh basil leaves (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens the sauce.
Spaghetti noodles: The perfect pasta to pair with this rich sauce.

How to Make Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are softened. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so take your time and let those aromas develop. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce light and prevent greasiness.

Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Now, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role—tomato paste thickens, seasonings deepen the taste, and sugar tones down the acidity. Mixing these well ensures your sauce will be bursting with balanced flavors.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the cup of water and bring the combined mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial—it allows all the flavors to meld harmoniously and creates that thick, luscious texture you want in a great spaghetti sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves if you’re using them. This bright herb cuts through the richness and adds a lovely fresh aroma that elevates the entire dish.

Step 5: Serve on Your Favorite Pasta

Cook your spaghetti noodles until al dente, then generously ladle this delicious sauce over them. The sauce clings perfectly to each strand, making every bite a flavor-packed delight.

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti with pale yellow noodles that create a loose, layered base. On top, there is a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce with a slightly chunky texture. Lightly sprinkled on the sauce is a dusting of white grated cheese. A fresh green basil leaf with visible veins is placed in the center on top of the sauce, adding a pop of green color. The plate is set on a dark blue and white checkered cloth, with a blurred background featuring garlic bulbs and green basil leaves on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your serving extra special, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino over the top. A few extra fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also bring a beautiful finish and an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this sauce with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the rich pasta. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia can soak up any leftover sauce on your plate, making your meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sauce baked over pasta in a casserole with melted mozzarella on top, turning this into a cozy baked spaghetti. You can also spoon it over roasted vegetables or use it as a flavorful base for stuffed peppers or eggplant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this sauce freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen it if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use only Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Using all Italian sausage will give your sauce an even richer and spicier flavor, but keep in mind it might be slightly fattier, so drain the grease carefully.

Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder?

Fresh garlic adds more intense flavor and a bit of texture, but garlic powder is convenient and provides a consistent taste that melds nicely in this sauce without overpowering.

Can I make this sauce vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and sauté extra onions, mushrooms, or lentils for a hearty texture. Add your seasonings as usual to keep that signature flavor.

What’s the purpose of the sugar in the sauce?

Sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother and more rounded flavor that’s pleasant on the palate.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce and paste?

While fresh tomatoes can work, you’ll need to cook them longer to reduce the moisture and concentrate the flavors. Using canned tomato sauce and paste is a convenient shortcut that ensures consistent taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this sauce is sure to win hearts and satisfy appetites. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta sauce!