Name: Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup finely diced onion; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 28 ounce crushed tomatoes; 28 ounce diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar (to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh basil

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own sauces from scratch, especially when it comes to a classic like marinara. This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is not only simple to make, but it also brings a burst of flavor to your pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. With just a few fresh ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a rich, hearty sauce that rivals any store-bought version. Let’s dive into the world of homemade marinara!

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Homemade marinara sauce is a kitchen staple that deserves a regular spot in your meal prep. Here’s why:

Fresh Ingredients: You control what goes into your sauce, ensuring a fresh, vibrant taste.
Versatile: Use it for pasta, as a pizza sauce, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Customizable: Adjust the spices and sweetness to suit your personal taste.
Batch Friendly: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

What We’re Using

This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely diced onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
28-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons sugar, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh basil

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before we get cooking, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand:

Large Pot or Saucepan: Essential for cooking the sauce evenly.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing your ingredients.
Cutting Board and Knife: For dicing the onion and fresh basil.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements make for a perfect sauce.

Cooking Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe: The Process

Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to bring our Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe to life. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from browning.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the onions are soft, add the 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes

Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Mix in Tomato Paste and Spices

Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the pot. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.

Step 5: Sweeten the Sauce

Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar, depending on your preference. This step balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 6: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before serving, stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh basil for a burst of flavor and freshness.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

This marinara sauce is highly adaptable. Here are a few swaps and alternatives you can consider:

Onion: Use shallots for a sweeter flavor or skip the onion entirely for a smoother sauce.
Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, especially during peak season.
Herbs: Swap fresh basil for fresh oregano or parsley based on your preference.

Chef’s Notes

This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add more tomato paste.
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like thyme or bay leaves for added depth.
Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning is key to a great sauce.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you have leftover marinara sauce, you’re in luck! Here’s how to store and use it:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep: Make a double batch to use throughout the week with pasta, pizza, or as a base for soups and stews.

Ask & Learn

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the pot. Fresh tomatoes will add a vibrant flavor.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust it slowly to reach your desired heat level.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

You can use dried basil instead. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount.

How long can I store this marinara sauce?

This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.

Serve & Enjoy

Now that your Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Serve it over your favorite pasta, spread it on a homemade pizza, or use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. The options are endless, and each dish will be elevated by the rich, robust flavors of your homemade sauce. Gather your loved ones, share a meal, and savor the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Bon appétit!