Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Homemade Marinara Sauce is simple, fresh, and packed with authentic tomato flavor. It uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together easily while tasting far better than store-bought sauces. The recipe is versatile, freezer-friendly, and perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional additions:
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Mushrooms
- Roasted garlic
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
Stir well until combined.
Season with sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Blend the sauce if a smoother texture is desired.
Serve warm over pasta, pizza, or your favorite dishes.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add ground beef or sausage for a meat sauce.
Use fresh tomatoes when in season.
Add cream for a creamy tomato sauce variation.
Mix in spinach or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store Homemade Marinara Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freeze cooled sauce for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is marinara sauce?
Marinara is a simple tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, onions, herbs, and olive oil.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Fresh ripe tomatoes work very well when cooked down properly.
Why add sugar to marinara sauce?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes. Add more red pepper flakes or chili powder.
What dishes pair well with marinara sauce?
Pasta, pizza, meatballs, sandwiches, and baked dishes all pair perfectly.
Can I freeze marinara sauce?
Yes. Marinara sauce freezes very well.
Why is my sauce watery?
Simmer the sauce longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid.
Can I blend the sauce smooth?
Yes. Use an immersion blender or regular blender if desired.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. The recipe is naturally vegan as written.
How do I deepen the flavor?
Longer simmering and fresh herbs create richer flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Marinara Sauce is a rich, comforting, and versatile tomato sauce filled with classic Italian-inspired flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for countless meals, this homemade recipe brings freshness and warmth to pasta nights, pizzas, and family dinners.
PrintHomemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade Marinara Sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato sauce made with garlic, onions, herbs, and olive oil simmered into a smooth and comforting sauce. This classic Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for pasta, pizza, casseroles, and dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh basil
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: mushrooms
- Optional: roasted garlic
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Stir well until combined.
- Season with sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Blend the sauce if a smoother texture is desired.
- Serve warm over pasta, pizza, or your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Add ground beef or sausage for a hearty meat sauce variation.
- Fresh herbs provide brighter flavor and aroma.
- For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
- Simmer uncovered longer if a thicker sauce is desired.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
