If you have ever wished for a sauce that bursts with rich, tangy tomato goodness and fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma, then this Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully simple, yet deeply flavorful tomato sauce that transforms any pasta night into a memorable occasion. Using just a handful of pantry staples, this sauce balances the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a subtle hint of spice. Whether spooned over freshly cooked spaghetti, dolloped on a homemade pizza, or used as a dip, this marinara sauce feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of taste while keeping the sauce fresh and vibrant. From the savory depth of olive oil to the bright, herbal notes of oregano and basil, here’s what you’ll need.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The base for sautéing, adding a fruity richness that enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced): Offers a gentle sweetness and texture when lightly browned.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch; don’t skip this!
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing luscious texture and vibrant color.
- 6 ounces tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for the perfect consistency.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery herbal touch that’s classic in marinara.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Delivers a sweet, aromatic note that beautifully complements oregano.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just enough to tame the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the taste.
- 1/2 cup water: Keeps the sauce from becoming too thick and helps everything meld together.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that adds warmth and depth without overwhelming.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming your olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it turns very lightly browned and translucent — this step is crucial because it unlocks the sweetness of the onions and creates a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Garlic Time
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much as garlic can turn bitter. This brief sauté infuses the oil and onions with garlic’s unmistakable aroma, deepening the complexity of the sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Add the water to loosen the mixture, then cover and let it simmer gently on low heat for 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, thickening the sauce to a luscious, hearty texture.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate your marinara sauce to an elegant dish. Finely chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds freshness and umami kick that brightens the sauce’s rich tomato base. For a bit of indulgence, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving is magic.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe shines with classic Italian sides. Serve it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit, or over a bed of silky polenta for a cozy comfort meal. For something lighter, it pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond pasta! Use this marinara as the base for a baked egg dish by cracking eggs into the sauce and baking until just set. It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for homemade mozzarella sticks or crispy zucchini fries. Layer it into casseroles, or spoon over grilled chicken or seafood to add an inviting splash of Italian flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftover marinara sauce should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, giving you quick access to homemade flavor for your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to the perfect consistency. It’s just like fresh and ready to impress again!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh ripe tomatoes can be used but you’ll need to peel and crush them first, which takes a bit more prep. The flavor will be vibrant and fresh, though the sauce might need slightly longer simmering to thicken.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?
Yes! This Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. Just be sure to pair it with vegan-friendly pasta or dishes for a fully plant-based meal.
Can I omit the sugar in the recipe?
Many people skip sugar, especially if their tomatoes are very sweet. However, a small amount helps balance the acidity, making the sauce smoother. If you prefer a sugar-free version, taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What can I do if my sauce tastes too acidic?
If your sauce feels too sharp, a pinch of baking soda added while simmering can neutralize excess acidity. Alternatively, a little more sugar or a splash of cream can mellow the flavors beautifully.
How thick should the marinara sauce be?
The ideal consistency is thick enough to cling to pasta but still slightly fluid — about the texture of a rich tomato soup. Simmering uncovered for the last few minutes can help reduce excess liquid if needed.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought versions. The fresh, vibrant flavors combined with straightforward ingredients make it a kitchen essential that brings joy and warmth to any meal you choose. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a sauce that feels like homemade happiness in every bite!
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Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic homemade marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other Italian dishes. This simple and flavorful sauce simmers gently to develop a rich, savory depth.
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until just lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. This step softens the onions and develops their flavor to form the base of the sauce.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Simmer the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, sugar, water, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently on low for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Notes
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Simmering the sauce slowly enhances the richness and reduces acidity.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
