This Homemade Marinara Sauce is made using only three simple ingredients to create the only tomato sauce recipe you’ll ever need.
This sauce is great as a base for Spaghetti and Meatballs or to make perfect Eggplant Parmesan.
Tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil are all it takes to make the best marinara sauce. This uncomplicated sauce takes just 20 minutes to make and once you try it, it will be your go-to tomato sauce recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
- The fresh basil adds sweetness without the addition of sugar.
- A good dose of fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor while keeping it quick to prepare.
- Seasoning well elevates the sauce without the use of a bunch of ingredients.
This simple Marinara sauce recipe couldn’t be simpler to make. Not only that but and tastes 10x better than store-bought. It’s perfect for busy weeknights that leave you pressed for time. All you need is some chopped garlic, canned tomatoes, basil, pepper, and salt. It’s that easy!
It can be used for anything from a quick spaghetti dinner, homemade pizza, or a seafood marinara.
What Tomatoes For Tomato Sauce
Whole peeled tomatoes break down easily when cooked making them the perfect choice for this dish. Just puree them in a food processor, crush them with a food mill, or mash them with a potato masher.
In such a simple recipe, high-quality tomatoes are key to a delicious sauce. I recommend San Marzano tomatoes as they are sweet and low in acidity.
Using Fresh Tomatoes
To use fresh tomatoes in Marinara sauce, they will have to be prepped first by skinning them, removing seeds & pulp, and chopping them into pieces that will cook evenly.
Use 1 lb of fresh tomatoes for every 14oz can (this recipe would need 4 lbs).
How to Make Marinara Sauce
In a large saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil until lightly browned. Add canned tomatoes, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered, over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Step By Step Instructions
Slice the fresh basil. This is done easily by stacking the basil leaves on top of each other.
Then roll them into a cigar shape.
Slice into thin strips and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and saute the garlic for about a minute until lightly browned (being careful not to let it get too dark).
Add the fresh basil (I use a couple of good handfuls, but you can use as much or as little as you like). Season with salt and pepper.
Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed.
This sauce can easily be frozen and saved for another day. I often make it in huge batches and freeze it to use in lots of different ways.
How To Remove Bitterness From Tomato Sauce
Baking soda neutralizes acidity. To save bitter tomato sauce, add a pinch of baking soda at a time (tasting in between) until the acidity disappears.
Alternatively, add sugar a half teaspoon at a time until it has the desired sweetness.
Recipe Tips
- In such a simple recipe, high-quality tomatoes are key to a delicious sauce. I recommend San Marzano tomatoes as they are sweet and low in acidity.
- Use fresh garlic for the best possible flavor.
- Garlic burns easily and will become bitter when overcooked. Be sure to cook until it just starts to brown before adding the tomatoes.
- Salt like you mean it. Seasoning is the key to a simple tomato sauce. Taste between small additions, allow to dissolve and add more until it’s perfectly seasoned.
Other Italian Dishes You’ll Love
FAQs
Yes, it freezes really well. Just add it to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.
Stored properly in an airtight container, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Other Italian Dishes You’ll Love
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Let’s Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 56 oz canned tomatoes crushed (four 14oz or two 28oz cans)
- a good handful of fresh basil chopped (I use a lot, but use as much or as little as you like).
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and saute the garlic for about a minute until lightly browned (being careful not to let it get too dark).
- Add the tomatoes & basil, season with salt and pepper and cook, uncovered, over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning before serving and add more salt as needed.
Tips + Notes
- In such a simple recipe, high-quality tomatoes are key to a delicious sauce. I recommend San Marzano tomatoes as they are sweet and low in acidity.
- Use fresh garlic for the best possible flavor.
- Garlic burns easily and will become bitter when overcooked. Be sure to cook until it just starts to brown before adding the tomatoes.
- Baking soda neutralizes acidity. To save bitter tomato sauce, add a pinch of baking soda at a time (tasting in between) until the acidity disappears. Alternatively, add sugar a half teaspoon at a time until it has the desired sweetness.
Mrs Linnett says
The broccoli recipe was absolutely fantastic, the next time I made it I added some french beans and my garlic scapes, the butter olive oil, lemon juice and rind seasoned with salt and black pepper and it was delightful. Thank you so much. I want to try your carrot recipe and add some orange peel and juice. Your recipes so inspire me thank you.
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you so much! I love to hear this, roasted green veggies are the best! 🙂
MELAYA says
I liked this sauce a lot. I used it for manicotti. Super easy and yummy!
Erren Hart says
I’m so delighted to hear you liked it! 🙂
Bethanne says
This recipe was so simple and just delicious! I make it all the time!
Erren Hart says
Thanks so much for leaving such lovely feedback!
Cam says
This is a wonderful and easy recipe! We just love it!
Erren Hart says
Delightful to hear, Cam!
Judy says
This was easy and tastes great. The ingredients are fool proof.
Erren Hart says
So happy you liked it, Judy!
Danny says
This was great and so easy to make! We had a lot of tomatoes from the garden that we needed use so I decided on this recipe with your tips. Thanks!
Erren Hart says
Wonderful to hear, Danny!
Lisa says
This is a great recipe! Easy to follow and simple to do as this was my first attempt to make homemade tomato sauce. Thank you!
Erren Hart says
You’re very welcome! 🙂 glad you enjoyed it!
Deborah says
Another winner, Erren!
I especially like the tip about the baking soda to counteract bitterness.
And I want to dive into that photo of the spaghetti!
Keep up the good work.
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m so glad you liked it Deborah, thank you 🙂
Cheryl says
I love this recipe! Keep them coming. Thanks!
Erren Hart says
Hi Cheryl. Great to hear!
Annie says
I have the ingredients and I’m making this tonight! Looks delicious 😋
Erren's Kitchen says
I hope you enjoy it 🙂