10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Spaghetti Sauce

Have some spaghetti sauce leftover after a big Italian feast? Learn the 10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Spaghetti Sauce in delicious recipes so it doesn’t go to waste!

Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara sauce or pasta sauce, is a well-loved staple in Italian cuisine and beyond. It is typically made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil and oregano; all simmered together until the flavors meld beautifully into a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce.

While it gets its name from the iconic dish spaghetti, this sauce is far from a one-trick ingredient. Its rich and robust flavor profile makes it a versatile component in a multitude of dishes. It can add depth to soups and stews, serve as a vibrant base for pizzas, or act as a hearty filling when combined with other ingredients for stuffed bell peppers or a layer in lasagna. It can be transformed into a topping for bruschetta or used as a flavorful braising liquid for proteins such as chicken or mussels.

Beyond traditional Italian recipes, spaghetti sauce can infuse flavor into dishes from other cuisines, too. Repurposing leftover spaghetti sauce not only ensures it doesn’t go to waste, but it also allows you to get creative in the kitchen!

📖10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Spaghetti Sauce

1️⃣Spaghetti Sauce Pizza: Use your leftover spaghetti sauce as a flavorful base for a homemade pizza. Spread it on your pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings, and bake until golden and bubbly.

2️⃣Saucy Bruschetta: Turn it into bruschetta topping by adding chopped fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Spoon the mixture on toasted baguette slices for a tasty appetizer or snack.

3️⃣Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with a mix of cooked rice, veggies, ground meat, and spaghetti sauce, then bake until tender. Top with cheese for the last few minutes of baking for a melted, delicious finish.

4️⃣Italian Sloppy Joes: Use the sauce to make a twist on Sloppy Joes. Cook ground meat, bell peppers, and onions, then add the sauce and serve the mixture on a bun for a quick, easy meal.

5️⃣Vegetable Ratatouille: Use the sauce as a base for ratatouille. Add diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, and simmer until the vegetables are tender.

6️⃣Baked Eggs in Sauce: Make a Mediterranean-style breakfast by baking eggs in the leftover sauce. Pour the sauce into a skillet, make wells for the eggs, and bake until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

7️⃣Saucy Tortilla Soup: Stir it into chicken or vegetable broth for a flavorful tortilla soup base. Add cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and tortilla strips, then simmer to blend the flavors.

8️⃣Meatball Subs: Use the sauce to make delicious meatball subs. Simply simmer meatballs in the sauce, then spoon them onto sub rolls and top with melted mozzarella cheese.

9️⃣Mussels Marinara: Use the sauce for a simple mussels marinara dish. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add the mussels and sauce and cook until the mussels have opened.

🔟Spaghetti Sauce Dip: Turn it into a hearty dip by adding cream cheese and grated mozzarella. Warm the mixture in the oven until it’s bubbling, then serve with bread or crackers for dipping.

Also check out the 10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Lasagna Filling!

❔FAQ

How long can you keep spaghetti sauce in the fridge?

Spaghetti sauce can be safely kept in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days. To maximize freshness and prevent spoilage, store it in an airtight container and ensure your fridge temperature is below 40°F (4°C).

How do you freeze leftover spaghetti sauce?

To freeze leftover spaghetti sauce, allow it to cool, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze; it can last up to 4-6 months in the freezer.

Can you reuse pasta sauce after opening?

Yes, you can reuse pasta sauce after opening. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 7-10 days, or follow the “use-by” date on the jar if that comes sooner.