Description
This Best Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe delivers a rich, flavorful Italian classic perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. Made from simple pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with a hint of red pepper flakes for heat. Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with vibrant tomato flavor, this sauce simmers to a perfect balance of tangy and savory goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic as it will impart a robust aroma to the sauce.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to combine all the tomato elements into a rich, unified mixture.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices, deepening the flavor profile.
- Add Bay Leaf and Simmer: Drop in the bay leaf and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and build a thick, balanced sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving to add brightness and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender before serving.
- This marinara freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic and rich tomato flavor.
- Versatile sauce ideal for pasta dishes, pizza bases, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
