Whether you're saving leftovers or making it ahead, this is everything you need to know about freezing spaghetti sauce.
Your Guide to Freezing Spaghetti Sauce
Updated Nov. 03, 2020
Nothing beats homemade pasta sauce. If you often find yourself short on time during the week and want to keep prepped meals on hand, freezing spaghetti sauce is a great strategy. Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Freeze Spaghetti Sauce?
The answer is YES—if you’re working with tomato-based pasta sauces, that is. Unfortunately, cream-based pasta sauces don’t hold up to freezing. You can still make a creamy pasta sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or so, though.
How to Freeze Spaghetti Sauce
Freezing food is simple. The first step in freezing spaghetti sauce is to let the sauce cool completely. Don’t leave it out for more than two hours, because that’s when bacteria can start to form. Once it’s cool, break out a freezer container. Then, divvy up the sauce, leaving enough room for the sauce to expand.
The best way to divide the sauce is by serving size so you can take out only what you need. When you’re all set, go ahead and stick the containers in the freezer. Yes, having a stash of delicious homemade pasta sauce is really that easy!
Psst… Wondering if you can freeze noodles, too? The answer is yes. Here’s our guide to freezing spaghetti.
How Long Can You Freeze Spaghetti Sauce?
Once in the freezer, frozen spaghetti sauce has a shelf life of about three months. Beyond that, freezer burn can set in which makes your tasty sauce less flavorful. Label your containers with dates so you can keep track of how long each container of sauce will last. You’ll thank yourself later!
What Are the Best Containers to Use?
Glass, plastic and even freezer-safe bags all work perfectly (just make sure the bags are heavy duty). No matter what container you choose, pick something that’s airtight. Here’s how to get a practically airtight seal on your freezer bags. And we can’t stress this enough: when filling the containers, leave room for the sauce to expand once it’s in the freezer.
How to Reheat Frozen Spaghetti Sauce
Thaw frozen spaghetti sauce in your fridge and then reheat it on the stovetop over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For something a little quicker, put the container of sauce into a bowl of cold water. If you’re really in a rush, pop it into the microwave. Depending on the amount of sauce in your container and the power of your microwave, this can take anywhere from 4 to 7 minutes. Tuck into your spaghetti sauce the same day you defrost it and don’t save any leftovers.
Need more pasta inspiration? Try these spaghetti recipes.
These Freezer Meals Are Ready Whenever You Are
New England Lamb BakeThis dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Macaroni and Cheese with ChickenPrep once and feed the family twice with this comforting, hearty macaroni and cheese with chicken. Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for another time.
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada SoupThis crockpot chicken enchilada soup is inspired by the Mexican dish and loaded with southwestern flavors from poblano peppers and enchilada sauce to juicy shredded chicken.
Bavarian Pot RoastSince all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Crab CakesThere's no need to travel to the shore for crab cakes. Our easy crab cake recipe makes crispy cakes that show off the rich, sweet flavor of crab without deep-frying.
Jamaican Beef StewJamaican-style beef stew, a dish that's also called stew beef, is a rich braise of beef and vegetables in a sauce seasoned with caramelized sugar and allspice. A few shortcut ingredients in this version help build a sauce that will perfume your house as it cooks with sweet, savory and spiced flavor.
Barbecue Pork and Penne SkilletWhen you don't have hours to whip up a slow-cooked meal, this hearty pulled pork pasta recipe is a great shortcut; it tastes as if it cooked all day but can be ready in just 25 minutes.
Bacon-Cheddar Potato CroquettesInstead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Scalloped Sweet Corn CasseroleThis is my Grandma Ostendorf's corn recipe I grew up enjoying. Now a grandmother myself, I still serve this comfy, delicious side as a family classic. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Moroccan EmpanadasMy family goes for Moroccan flavors, so I make empanada pastries using beef and apricot preserves. It's a flaky hand pie with a spicy dipping sauce. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Buffalo Turkey BurgersCelery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve the burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Italian-Style Lentil SoupA nutritious, inexpensive source of protein, lentils are low-fat, lens-shaped seeds that are delicious in salads, sides and soups, like our Italian-style lentil soup that's cozy, comforting and packed with nutrients.
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Saucy Chicken & TortelliniThis heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas
Chiles Rellenos QuicheTo me, nothing sparks up a meal more than the smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. This is a quick and easy recipe, and I usually have the ingredients on hand, so when I don’t know what to fix for dinner, I make this quiche. —Linda Miritello, Mesa, Arizona
Barley Corn SaladA terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
Quinoa Turkey ChiliThis heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
Chile Verde PorkThis minimal-effort chile verde pork is a little spicy and very versatile, so you can transform one batch into a multitude of dishes.
Italian Sausage CalzoneMy teenage daughter and I have been experimenting in the kitchen to re-create some old-time family dishes. This calzone with spinach and sausage is definitely a favorite. Using a refrigerated pizza crust, it’s a cinch to prepare one for us or several for a crowd. —Terri Gallagher, King George, Virginia
Asian Chicken ThighsWe're always looking for new Asian chicken thigh recipes, and this one doesn't disappoint. The bone-in chicken thighs simmer in a delightful sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce and Chinese five-spice powder.
Hearty Butternut Squash SoupThe comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It's full of freshness. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Egg BurritosZap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Spicy Bean and Beef PieMy daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
Wintertime Braised Beef StewThis easy beef stew is incredibly rich. Since it's even better a day or two later, you may want to make a double batch. —Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California
Chicken Cordon Bleu BakeI got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Grilled Pork TenderloinWe do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Kielbasa CasseroleKielbasa casserole is cozy and hearty, highlighting the rich, creamy flavors of Polish sausage and a mushroom-and-cheese sauce.
Dijon Veggies with CouscousCoated in a tangy Dijon sauce, these tasty veggies and fluffy couscous make for a delightful side. —Juliana Dumitru, Fairview Park, Ohio
Pork BurritosAs a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
German MeatballsEasy to make and tasty beside our favorite sides, these German meatballs will be a new protein-rich staple in your home.
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon GritsIn the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Slow-Cooker Split Pea SoupSlow-cooker split pea soup is so easy, all you have to do is dump everything into the cooker. This soul-warming soup comes together in a snap!
Creamy Hash Brown CasseroleThis versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma
Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef PiesMy kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give the kids their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & SpinachWhat could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Mini Shepherd’s PiesI’m as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, I’ll use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
Barbecue Chicken SandwichImagine a barbecue chicken sandwich so delicious you can hardly wait to have it again. Well, here it is: Our recipe features a delightful homemade sauce and uses shredded cooked chicken to save you time.
Ham & Collards QuicheI love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my southern roots. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collard greens in a flaky crust, it’s a complete meal. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
Loaded Chicken & Gouda CalzonesWhen I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Forgotten JambalayaDuring chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
BurritosPacked with beans, your choice of protein and a myriad of other potential fillings, this easy burrito recipe is your launchpad to unlimited flavor combinations.
Chicken Enchilada CasseroleYour family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Minestrone with TurkeyI remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Buffalo Chicken PocketsHere’s my idea of pub food made easy: biscuits flavored with Buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese. They're my Friday night favorite. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Buffalo Chicken PizzaOur easy Buffalo chicken pizza lets you crank up the heat for pizza night! Just add crunchy veggies and your fave dipping sauces.
Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Vegetable StrataWe always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Pepperoni PizzazzI've fixed this hearty main course for buffets, potluck dinners and even for company at my home. Keep the recipe handy, because you'll certainly be asked for it when you contribute it to an event. —Marge Unger, La Porte, Indiana
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Potato Chip Chicken StripsThis novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Sausage & Swiss Chard LasagnaRustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it's such a tasty casserole they'll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona
Korean Beef and RiceA friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Simple Creamy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Spicy Pumpkin & Corn SoupA seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
Chicken Tater Tot CasseroleThis yummy chicken Tater Tot casserole makes a filling dinner everyone in the family will enjoy.
Three-Cheese Kielbasa BakeMy aunt originally made this hearty casserole for family gatherings, and now I enjoy fixing it for my family any night of the week. What a perfect way to sneak in some garden veggies. —Kate Beckman, Hemet, California
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla SoupI'm always thankful when I can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
Chicken Broccoli ShellsThis cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Ham & Swiss StromboliThis is an excellent dish to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, AL
BBQ Country RibsI created this country ribs recipe many years ago when I adapted a sauce I saw in a magazine. The original called for much more oil. I usually triple the sauce and keep some in my freezer to use on chicken, beef or pork. —Barbara Gerriets, Topeka, Kansas
Cornbread Chicken BakeTo make the most of leftover cornbread, try this hearty main dish casserole. It's moist, delicious and good on any occasion. —Madge Britton, Afton, Tennessee
Originally Published: February 25, 2020
