If you’d like to bring an Italian touch to your regular dishes, then this recipe is a must-try. We have carefully curated this recipe so that you don’t have to put in extra effort or squeeze precious time from your busy schedule. 

Within just a few minutes of your spare time, you can easily prepare this sauce. All you need is the correct ingredients and patience to follow every step carefully. 

What this Bertolli Italian sausage sauce does is that it adds a savory punch to your favorite dishes. Interestingly enough, you can use the sauce as a topping for pasta, drizzle it over pizza, or use it as a base for a hearty meal. So, without making a fuss, let’s get started. 

What is Bertolli Italian Sausage Sauce?

The name ‘Bertolli’ is derived from the famous Bertolli company, which was established in 1865 in Lucca, Italy. Given the name, it is a savory sauce made with an Italian approach. 

It is traditionally made with ground sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. It has a delicious, meaty, rich flavor and a smooth, rich texture. 

You can combine the sauce in a variety of dishes, most notably pasta, pizza, or even use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. This Bertolli version infuses the appealing flavor of sausage and tomatoes with warm Italian spices to produce a delicious taste that you can’t have enough of. Since you are preparing this at home, you are using all fresh, healthy ingredients, free from unwanted preservatives and chemicals. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the sauce to taste great, you need the following ingredients close to your hands: 

Italian Sausage — 1 lb

You can use either the sweet or spicy version of Italian sausage based on your preference. Sweet sausage will produce a mild flavor, whereas the spicy one will add a kick. 

Olive Oil — 2 tablespoons

Olive oil helps to cook the sausage efficiently to bring out the flavors. The oil also gives a subtle fruity flavor that brilliantly blends in with the sauce. 

Garlic — 4 cloves

Garlic is a staple in Italian sauces. It complements the sauce by adding a rich, aromatic depth. 

Onion — 1 medium

Onion introduces a sweet and savory aspect to the taste of the sauce. It also helps to balance out the sausage’s richness. 

Crushed Tomatoes — 1 can (28 oz)

It acts as the base for any good tomato sauce. Crushed tomatoes give a tangy, rich, and smooth texture to the mix. 

Tomato Paste — 2 tablespoons

Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce, increasing the richness. 

Italian Seasoning — 1 tablespoon

Italian seasoning is a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. It gives the sauce a classic Italian characteristic. You can add more or less of this flavor depending on your taste. 

Red Pepper Flakes — ½ teaspoon (optional)

To add heat to the flavor, you can add paper flakes. Adjust the quantity according to your preference. 

Salt and Pepper — To taste

Add some seasoning to your desired quantity to enhance the overall flavor. 

Fresh Basil — 1 tablespoon (optional)

For garnishing, you can add Basil to give an earthy, green freshness to the final mixture. 

How to Make Bertolli Italian Sausage Sauce (5 Easy Steps)

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Take a saucepan and heat the olive oil in a medium-high heat. Break the sausage and add it to the pan. Cook the sausage for up to 8-10 minutes until it is fully cooked through and turns brown. Remove any excess grease, but leave some to get added flavor. 

Step 2: Saute the Onions and Garlic

Mince the garlic and chop the onion. Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onions to the pan and saute for 3-4 minutes. Once it turns soft, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir them constantly to avoid burning the garlic. This will infuse the garlic flavor with the oil. 

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

Now add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Keep stirring until it mixes perfectly. The tomato paste will thicken the sauce, giving it a good texture. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes on medium-low heat. Occasionally, stir the mixture to prevent it from sticking to the pan and getting burned.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Once the ingredients have blended perfectly and the sauce thickened, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir continuously to combine. Simmer the sauce for another 5 minutes to let the seasonings release their flavors and blend in perfectly with the sauce. 

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you are satisfied, garnish it with fresh chopped basil for a burst of fresh, earthy-green flavor. Serve either hot or cold, and enjoy it with your pizza or pasta. 

Serving Suggestions

This Bertolli Italian sausage sauce pairs well with so many foods. Here are some possible suggestions: 

Pasta

You can serve it with spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne for a delicious pasta dish. 

Pizza

Use it as a dip sauce to enjoy with your pizza. Also, when you are making it at home, you can use the sauce as the base sauce. 

Meatball Subs

Layer the sauce on a hoagie roll and top it with meatballs to make a meatball sub. You can also add melted mozzarella at the top to enhance the flavors. 

Grilled Veggies

You can enjoy the sauce with freshly grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. It will elevate the flavors, and you will feel the subtle kick of the Italian seasoning. 

Breadsticks or Garlic Bread

You can also use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread for a perfect appetizer or snack. 

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality sausage: To get the best result, look for the ones without artificial fillers or preservatives. 
• Slow simmer for flavor depth: let the final mixture simmer on the stove for a while. Lower the heat if needed. 
• Adjust the seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. 
• Use fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste: Replace crushed tomatoes with fresh ones.

Conclusion

You will find the homemade one to be more flavorful and vibrant than the store-bought sauces. So collect the ingredients and start making to enjoy with your favorite dishes. For best results, follow the steps and tips. Enjoy cooking.