This secret ingredient will take your spaghetti sauce to the next level.

Some classic dishes just can't be improved upon—like banana pudding without vanilla wafers or nachos without gooey cheese. But what happens when a hidden gem of an ingredient shakes things up? This was true for Amazing Crusted Chicken and the Best Potatoes You’ll Ever Taste (wait till you hear the secret!). And what about spaghetti and tomato sauce? Surely, there’s nothing new under the sun, right?

Well, it turns out there is! A reader shared a game-changing ingredient for spaghetti sauce in our Facebook community, and we've been hooked ever since. Curious about the secret ingredient? Keep reading to find out more.

Why you should add V8 juice to your spaghetti sauce.

Yes, you read that right—the key to a rich, flavorful tomato sauce is V8 juice! This vegetable-packed drink, made from tomatoes, carrots, celery, parsley, lettuce, watercress, and spinach, was created in the 1930s to offer an affordable way to get your veggies during the Great Depression. It quickly became a favorite, and now it's available in various flavors, including spicy and fruity options. For this recipe, stick with the original or spicy version for the best results.

The mix of vegetables in V8 juice gives your sauce a depth of flavor that regular canned tomato sauce just can't match. Plus, it's already seasoned, so your pasta will never taste bland. This is also why V8 is perfect for Bloody Marys, chilled gazpacho, and vegetable soups.

How to incorporate V8 juice into your spaghetti sauce

V8 juice is a bit thinner than traditional tomato sauce, so it’s important to thicken it up for better pasta coating. Start by sautéing diced onions and garlic in a large skillet until soft. Then, pour in about a cup of V8 juice, lower the heat, and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce. Meanwhile, cook your pasta until just al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and toss it into the sauce. Let it cook together for a few minutes to allow the spaghetti to absorb the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency, and finish by stirring in a little butter just before serving.

A quick tip on seasoning: Since V8 juice is already fairly salty, be cautious when adding salt to your spaghetti. Instead of seasoning as you go, wait until the end of cooking and taste to see if it needs any extra salt.