Name: Keto Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 54 oz crushed tomatoes (canned); 1/4 cup basil, roughly chopped; 1/2 tsp salt (to taste); 1/2 tsp pepper

This Keto Spaghetti Sauce provides a vibrant and garden-fresh alternative to store-bought options that are often hidden with added sugars. Because you utilize a base of crushed tomatoes and sautéed aromatics, the sauce develops a natural sweetness and complex depth without the need for high-carb additives. Furthermore, the inclusion of fresh basil and olive oil ensures a silky texture and authentic Italian aroma that complements any low-carb noodle alternative.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

Small onion: Adds a foundational savory sweetness when finely chopped and sautéed.
Celery: Provides a subtle earthy note and builds a complex aromatic base.
Garlic: Delivers a pungent and essential flavor profile for any classic red sauce.
Olive oil: Acts as the healthy fat source to carry the flavors and provide a luxurious mouthfeel.
Crushed tomatoes: Serve as the thick and hearty body of the sauce while remaining low in net carbs.
Fresh basil: Infuses the sauce with a bright, peppery, and sweet herbal finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the herbs.

How to Make Keto Spaghetti Sauce

This method focuses on a proper sauté of the aromatics followed by a steady simmer to meld the flavors together perfectly.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

First, add the olive oil to a large saucepan and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, celery, and garlic. You must cook these vegetables until they are tender and translucent. Consequently, this step builds a savory base that prevents the sauce from tasting one-dimensional or overly acidic.

2. Boil and Simmer

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, roughly chopped basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 40 minutes. This slow simmer is crucial because it allows the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors of the basil and garlic to fully permeate the tomatoes.

3. Finish and Serve

After the 40-minute simmer, remove the sauce from the heat. You can serve it immediately over your favorite keto-friendly noodles or let it cool completely for later use. Therefore, you have a high-quality, homemade staple ready for various Italian-inspired dishes.

Tips and Notes

Flavor Variation: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process.
Texture Choice: For a completely smooth sauce, you may use an immersion blender once the simmering process is finished.
Storage: This sauce keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if stored in a covered container.
Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in a shallow container or freezer bag for up to 6 months, making it an excellent option for bulk meal prep.