I’ve always loved the rich and savory taste of Prego sauce on my favorite pasta dishes. There’s something special about that perfect blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices that makes every bite memorable. But making it at home seemed like a challenge—until I decided to give it a try.
After some experimentation, I crafted a copycat Prego recipe that’s just as delicious and easier than you might think. It captures all the comforting flavors we crave from the store-bought version while allowing you to tweak it to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To recreate the rich and savory flavors of Prego at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves – 4, minced
- Tomato paste – 6 ounces
- Crushed tomatoes – 28 ounces
- Tomato sauce – 15 ounces
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional for a bit of heat)
- Water – 1 cup
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that authentic Prego taste. Make sure to chop the onions and mince the garlic finely to ensure they meld seamlessly into the sauce. Using high-quality crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce will provide a robust base, while the herbs and spices add depth and complexity. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness, and don’t skip the sugar—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Instructions
Recreating the rich flavors of Prego is simple when you follow these steps. Let’s dive into the preparation and cooking process to achieve that perfect sauce.
Prep
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice one yellow onion and mince four garlic cloves.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Measure out 6 ounces of tomato paste, 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, and 15 ounces of tomato sauce.
- Gather the Herbs and Spices: Measure two teaspoons of dried basil, one teaspoon of dried oregano, half teaspoon of dried parsley, one tablespoon of sugar, and salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, have red pepper flakes ready.
Cook
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Components: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all the tomato bases.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, sugar, salt, and black pepper. If using, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. If the sauce is too acidic, add a touch more sugar.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
Tools Needed
Creating a delicious Prego copycat sauce is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
For finely dicing onions and mincing garlic efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
To accurately measure ingredients like tomato paste, herbs, and spices.
- Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven
Provides ample space for sautéing aromatics and simmering the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Whisk
Helps blend the sauce smoothly, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Ladle
Useful for transferring the sauce from the pan to storage containers or serving dishes.
- Optional Blender
If you prefer a smoother texture, a blender can help achieve that perfect consistency.
Having these tools at hand will make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on perfecting your homemade Prego sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves planning ahead, making your Prego copycat sauce in advance can streamline your weeknight dinners and ensure you always have a flavorful base on hand. Here’s how I manage to prepare, store, and enjoy this delicious sauce whenever I need it.
Preparing the Sauce Ahead
- Cook the Sauce Completely
- Follow the recipe steps to prepare your sauce, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
- Cool to Room Temperature
- Allow the sauce to cool on the stovetop for about 20 minutes before transferring it to storage containers.
Storing in the Refrigerator
- Choose Airtight Containers
- Select glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers to keep the sauce fresh.
- Portion Appropriately
- Divide the sauce into meal-sized portions based on your future needs.
- Label and Date
- Clearly mark each container with the date it was made to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerate
- Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing the Sauce
- Select Freezer-Safe Containers
- Use heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers designed for freezing.
- Portion for Convenience
- Divide the sauce into amounts you typically use for a single meal.
- Remove Excess Air
- If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label and Date
- Write the preparation date and contents on each package.
- Freeze
- Place the sauce in the freezer where it can be stored for up to three months.
Thawing and Reheating
- Thaw in the Refrigerator
- Move the frozen sauce to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it.
- Reheat Gently
- Warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning If Needed
- Taste the sauce after reheating and add a pinch of salt or a splash of herbs to freshen the flavors.
Quick Reference Table
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can effortlessly incorporate my homemade Prego copycat sauce into your meals, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected my Prego copycat sauce, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate this rich and savory sauce into your meals:
Classic Pasta Dishes
- Spaghetti Bolognese: Toss the sauce with your favorite spaghetti and top with freshly grated Parmesan.
- Lasagna: Layer the sauce with lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and your choice of meat or vegetables.
- Penne Arrabbiata: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick and mix with penne pasta.
Hearty Sandwiches
- Meatball Subs: Combine meatballs with the sauce and pile them into a toasted hoagie roll, topped with melted provolone.
- Italian Panini: Spread the sauce on ciabatta bread with mozzarella, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil before grilling.
Delicious Pizzas
- Homemade Margherita: Use the sauce as a base for fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Meat Lovers Pizza: Spread the sauce on your pizza crust and top with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
Baked Dishes
- Eggplant Parmesan: Layer sliced eggplant with the sauce and mozzarella, then bake until bubbly.
- Stuffed Shells: Fill jumbo pasta shells with ricotta and spinach, cover with sauce, and bake to perfection.
Hearty Soups and Stews
- Tuscan Tomato Soup: Mix the sauce with vegetable broth, add some fresh basil, and serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Beef Stew: Use the sauce as a flavorful base for a slow-cooked beef stew with potatoes and carrots.
Quick and Easy Meals
- Rice Bowls: Spoon the sauce over steamed rice and top with sautéed vegetables and grilled chicken.
- Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of the sauce inside tortillas with cheese and your favorite fillings before grilling.
Breakfast Ideas
- Shakshuka: Use the sauce as a base to poach eggs, seasoned with cumin and paprika for a hearty breakfast.
- Breakfast Pizza: Spread the sauce on a pizza crust, add scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese, then bake until golden.
Side Dishes
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables with the sauce before roasting for added flavor.
- Polenta Topping: Serve creamy polenta topped with a generous ladle of the Prego copycat sauce and grated cheese.
Entertaining Ideas
- Dipping Sauce: Serve the sauce as a dip for garlic breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or roasted shrimp.
- Buffet Friendly: Keep a pot of the sauce warm for guests to use as a topping for various dishes throughout your meal.
Markdown Table for Quick Reference
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti Bolognese | Toss with spaghetti and top with Parmesan. |
| Meatball Subs | Combine with meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll with provolone. |
| Homemade Margherita | Base for fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze on pizza. |
| Eggplant Parmesan | Layer with sliced eggplant and mozzarella, then bake. |
| Tuscan Tomato Soup | Mix with vegetable broth and fresh basil for a hearty soup. |
| Shakshuka | Use as a base to poach eggs with cumin and paprika for breakfast. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Toss with sauce before roasting for added flavor. |
Feel free to experiment and make this sauce your own. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a feast for friends and family, my Prego copycat sauce will elevate any dish you create.
Storage Tips
As a chef passionate about perfecting every aspect of a recipe, proper storage of your homemade Prego copycat sauce is essential to maintain its rich flavors and vibrant texture. Here’s how I ensure my sauce stays fresh and delicious:
Refrigerating Your Sauce
After cooking, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
- Cool Completely: Let the sauce sit on the counter for about 30 minutes until it’s no longer steaming.
- Transfer to Airtight Containers: Use glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers to store the sauce. I prefer glass as it doesn’t retain odors.
- Label and Date: Clearly mark each container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing for Longer Storage
Freezing is perfect for preserving your sauce for an extended period without compromising its taste.
- Portioning: Divide the sauce into meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Choose Freezer-Safe Containers: Use heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers designed for freezing.
- Remove Air: If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Ensure each portion is labeled with the date and contents.
- Freeze: Store the sauce in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing and Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your sauce, follow these steps to maintain its quality:
- Thawing:
- Refrigerator Method: Place the frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
- Quick Thaw: For faster preparation, place the sealed freezer bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Pour the thawed sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Adjusting the Flavor
After reheating, sometimes the sauce may need a little adjustment:
- Season to Taste: Add a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Storage Duration Overview
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Prego copycat sauce at its best, anytime you crave that authentic, comforting flavor.
Conclusion
Creating my own Prego copycat sauce has been a game changer in my kitchen. It’s amazing how something homemade can match the flavors I loved from the store. I’m thrilled to have a versatile sauce that I can tweak to fit any meal. Whether it’s pasta night or a creative pizza, this sauce never disappoints.
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, comforting taste as much as I do. Cooking it ahead has made my weeknights so much easier and more delicious. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!
