If you’re searching for a vibrant, deeply flavorful sauce that brings authentic Italian comfort to your kitchen, look no further than this Best Homemade Marinara Sauce. It’s a classic that’s as perfect ladled over spaghetti as it is spooned onto pizza, bursting with simple pantry ingredients that come together to create magic in under an hour. Each bite delivers a balance of sweetness, acidity, and herbal brightness, making it a must-have recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true beauty of Best Homemade Marinara Sauce lies in the simple but powerful lineup of ingredients. Each component has a distinct role, from building a savory base to infusing the sauce with garden-fresh aromatics or lending just the right amount of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for sautéing; it sets a rich, silky foundation for your sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion mellows out during cooking, adding natural sweetness and body.
- Garlic: Four cloves give the sauce its irresistible aroma and signature Italian flavor punch.
- Crushed tomatoes: One large can infuses the sauce with bright tomato flavor and that signature red color.
- Tomato paste: Just a spoonful deepens the tomato intensity and thickens the texture.
- Sugar: A teaspoon balances acidity and rounds out the tomato’s sharpness.
- Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, oregano is a backbone herb for that classic marinara vibe.
- Dried basil: A touch of dried basil offers subtle sweetness and fragrance.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat if you like your sauce a little zesty.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors—taste and adjust as you go!
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley (optional): Stir in at the very end for a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the onion to soften and turn translucent, not brown—this gradual sweat brings out its natural sweetness and sets a mellow base for your Best Homemade Marinara Sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute. Be careful not to let it burn! Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the aromatics for another minute to caramelize slightly, intensifying its savory, umami notes.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and (if you like) crushed red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together and break up any bits of tomato paste.
Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir every so often and watch as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. This is where the magic happens—the longer you simmer, the more depth your Best Homemade Marinara Sauce will have.
Step 5: Adjust & Finish
Once the sauce has reached your ideal rich consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Right before serving, stir in a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of bright, herby flavor. For a smoother sauce, give it a quick blend with an immersion blender.
How to Serve Best Homemade Marinara Sauce
Garnishes
Dress up your finished sauce with a shower of fresh basil ribbons, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. For a cheesy twist, scatter over some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or vegan parm as the final flourish.
Side Dishes
Classic pasta is an obvious choice, but this Best Homemade Marinara Sauce is wonderful with homemade meatballs, roasted vegetables, or even as a simmering bath for poached eggs (think eggs in purgatory). Serve it up with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or over grilled polenta for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to pasta—try your marinara as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or garlic knots, spread it on homemade pizza dough, use it in lasagna, or swirl it into a baked gnocchi casserole. Jars of this sauce also make the most heartfelt homemade gifts for friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, so next-day marinara is even more delightful!
Freezing
This Best Homemade Marinara Sauce is a freezer superstar. Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick homemade meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency. For small amounts, reheating in the microwave works perfectly, too—just cover loosely and give it a stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 2 pounds of ripe, peeled, and chopped tomatoes. The sauce will be a bit lighter and fresher in flavor. Just simmer a bit longer to achieve the right thickness.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
If you love a silky-smooth marinara, let the sauce cool slightly and then use an immersion blender or a standard blender to puree to your desired texture. Just be careful when blending hot liquids!
Is this Best Homemade Marinara Sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe naturally fits a vegan and gluten-free diet, making it an incredibly versatile option for gatherings or family meals with diverse dietary needs.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure to use a large enough pot. Since the sauce freezes beautifully, making a big batch means you’re always just minutes away from a homemade Italian feast.
What if my sauce tastes too acidic?
If your tomatoes are particularly tangy, add another pinch of sugar or a splash of plant-based milk to mellow out the acidity. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something soul-warming about a pot of Best Homemade Marinara Sauce bubbling away on the stove, filling your home with the scent of garlic and tomatoes. This is the kind of recipe that’s as wonderful for weeknight dinners as it is for special occasions. Try it for yourself—it just might become your new go-to, too!
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Best Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Best Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe is a classic tomato sauce made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping, this versatile sauce is a must-have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil or parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion: Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in garlic, then add tomato paste.
- Combine ingredients: Pour in crushed tomatoes, add sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Season and simmer: Season with salt and pepper, simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- This sauce freezes well and can be made ahead up to 5 days in advance.
- Use it for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce.
- For a smoother texture, use a blender to puree after cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
