Marinara Sauce Recipe
Homemade Marinara Sauce is a timeless classic, bursting with bold tomato flavor and fragrant herbs that elevate any pasta dish or pizza. Master this simple sauce to transform everyday meals.
Ready in just 25 minutes, this Homemade Marinara Sauce relies on pantry staples for a fresh, rich taste. Spoon it over spaghetti, use it for lasagna, or serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- Yellow onion – Gives the sauce a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with a warm, savory aroma.
- Crushed tomatoes – The star ingredient, delivering a robust tomato base.
- Dried oregano – Adds classic Italian herb notes.
- Sea salt & black pepper – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh basil – Lends a final touch of fresh, bright flavor.
How to Make This Homemade Marinara Sauce
Start by warming olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until golden and soft, then add minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes. Stir in freshly chopped basil at the end to brighten the flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm over your favorite dish.
Marinara Magic: Tips & Tricks
For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of good red wine while the tomatoes simmer. If you like your marinara smooth, use an immersion blender for a velvety finish. To deepen the sweetness naturally, sauté a grated carrot with the onions. Fresh herbs are wonderful, but if you’re out of basil, a bit of flat-leaf parsley works too. Don’t rush the simmer — allowing the sauce time to bubble gently develops its rich taste.
Keeping Your Homemade Marinara Sauce Fresh
Once cooled, transfer your Homemade Marinara Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley finely minced, plus additional for garnish
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 medium yellow onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and pour in the olive oil; once heated, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes tender and lightly golden, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until its aroma intensifies. Blend in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer partially covered for 15 minutes. Stir in the freshly minced basil, remove from heat, and garnish as desired.
