Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
You’ll never buy the jarred stuff again after trying this Homemade Marinara Sauce! It’s thick, rich and so fresh tasting because it’s made with a handful of quality ingredients. It’s so easy to make and it’s ready in about 30 minutes!
A good sauce recipe is worth its weight in gold, because it can transform an average meal into something very special.
Learning how to make pesto sauce was a game changer for me. I prep a batch when I have the time, and it makes preparing recipes like my chicken pesto pasta and mushroom ravioli that much quicker!
The same can be said about this easy Homemade Marinara Sauce. It’s an easy back pocket recipe that I love prepping to have on hand for busy nights.
It’s family-friendly and there are so many delicious ways to use it!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This easy marinara sauce is thick and rich with freshness that you can taste because there are no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
- It’s made with a few pantry staples and can be customized any way you see fit.
- It takes just 5 minutes of prep and is done in about 30 minutes.
- It’s freezer-friendly so you can make big batches in advance to enjoy weeks later.
- This is a versatile recipe that can be tossed with your favorite pasta, spooned over chicken, or spread atop pizza.
Recipe ingredients
This tomato basil sauce is incredibly simple, yet so flavorful. It’s one of the best pantry recipes because it utilizes a few staples that most people always have on hand.
Ingredient notes
- Olive oil. The olive oil has two roles….it is used to cook the onions and garlic, and it also lends a silky mouthfeel to the sauce. For an even silkier sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons more.
- Crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are the best canned tomatoes for this recipe. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re a variety of plum tomato that has the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and intense tomato flavor.
- Basil. Fresh basil adds so much flavor and a beautiful pop of color, but you can substitute with dried basil or your favorite herbs.
- Tomato paste. The tomato paste adds a rich depth of flavor and also thickens the sauce. It may be omitted if you don’t have any hand.
- Sugar. A bit of sugar is added to tame the acidity, but it may be omitted to make this recipe keto and paleo-friendly.
How to make homemade marinara sauce
This recipe is beyond easy to make with about 5 minutes of hands-on prep. Once the onion and garlic is cooked, add the other ingredients and let the stove top work its magic.
Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for future use.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Sauté the vegetables. Cook the onion and garlic until softened.
- Simmer the sauce. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes until thick, rich and flavorful.
FAQs
It can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, or it can be frozen for up to three months.
Yes! Let the sauce cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag(s). The sauce can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove top until warmed through.
I recommend using crushed San Marzano tomatoes to make this easy marinara sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomato that has the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and intense tomato flavor.
How to serve tomato basil sauce
There are so many delicious ways to use this sauce! Below are some recipes with marinara sauce to get you started:
- Spread atop focaccia bread pizza for your next pizza night!
- Serve as a dip with focaccia bread.
- It’s great as a condiment for chicken burgers.
- Spoon over stuffed shells and zucchini boats, and bake!
- Skillet lasagna and baked turkey meatballs will taste even better with this tomato basil sauce!
- Serve over zoodles or spaghetti squash and top with cheese for a delicious vegetarian dinner.
Recipe notes
- Add 1-2 tablespoons more olive oil for an even silkier sauce.
- Use this sauce in your pasta dishes, pizza, baked meatballs, sub sandwiches, you name it!
- Store in the refrigerator for 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for future use.
- Variations: Change things up by adding red pepper flakes, your favorite herbs, olives or capers!
More sauce recipes you’ll love:
- Basil pesto sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Carrot top pesto
- Green enchilada sauce
- Homemade red enchilada sauce
- Meat sauce
- Romesco sauce by Cookie + Kate
- Spinach pesto
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes use San Marzano tomatoes for best quality and flavor
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil or substitute with 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar omit for keto and paleo-friendly
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium low heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered over low heat for 20-30 minutes. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add 1-2 tablespoons more olive oil for an even silkier sauce.
- Use this sauce in your pasta dishes, pizza, baked meatballs, sub sandwiches, you name it!
- Store in the refrigerator for 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Variations: Change things up by adding red pepper flakes, your favorite herbs, olives or capers!
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
**This recipe was originally published in April 2015. The photos have been updated to include step by step instructions, and the text in the post has been modified to include more recipe information.
61 Comments on “Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce”
Good ole spaghetti with marinara is one of those foods I totally forget exists, and then suddenly crave everyday for a week. Thanks for triggering that craving — this looks delish!
I do the same thing, Kelly — I don’t make it for a long time then I go on a mini-rampage! haha Thanks! 🙂
I love making homemade marinara sauce when I can! This version looks so delicious, Marcie. I love that you used fresh basil too, I’m always looking for new ways to use my herbs I’ve planted!
I don’t use fresh herbs in my tomato sauce enough, and the basil here really make it taste so much more fresh! Thanks, Danielle! 🙂
This marinara sauce looks perfect and I love that it is so simple!
Simple it is, and sometimes simple is best! Thanks, Christin! 🙂
I’m so bad, I am very guilty of buying store bought marinara sauces. But yours looks great! You’ve inspired me to make my own!
I’ve been guilty of it, too. My husband got on this Rao’s marinara kick, which costs like $9 a jar! It’s good, but come on…I checked the ingredients list and made this version. No more Rao’s! haha Thanks, Natalie. 🙂
You’re so welcome, Susan! 🙂
I think recipes like this are my favorite kind of recipes. We all need go to staples like sauces and condiments, etc etc…This looks amazing, Marcie! Pinning for later!
Staples are what makes the world go round…or dinner on the table! haha Thanks for the pin, Justine! 🙂
This homemade sauce looks perfect, Marcie! I’ve only made a sauce for lasagna once, but never one with basil. Love the pretty color and flavor!
Thanks, Gayle! This is so easy, and the fresh basil adds so much freshness! 🙂
a good sauce is worth it’s weight in gold. . I couldn’t agree more!! And you have to have a great, go -to easy tomato marinara sauce recipe . . I love this, Marcie!!!
Thank you, Alice! 🙂
Your homemade marinara sauce looks perfect, Marcie! Love all the fresh basil and how easy this comes together! So so delicious!
Thank you, Kelly! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
It’s so well worth mastering a good marinara sauce, isn’t it? I make mine almost the same as yours, Marcie. This is a great reminder to me to make another huge batch some time soon!
It sure is, and I love having some in the freezer for emergencies! You just never know. 🙂 Thanks, Helen, and have a great weekend!
comfort food at its finest:)
Thank you, Caralyn! 🙂
I am all for homemade marinara sauce. I LOVE San Marzano tomatoes, to me they are a must in any kind of red sauce! Pinned!
San Marzano tomatoes are a must — they make the biggest difference! Thanks for the pin, Mariah! 🙂
I love these photos, Marcie! And agreed- San Marzano are the best! Gotta have them!
Thanks, Liz! 🙂
The flavor of this sauce looks irresistible! I love how easy it is!
Thank you, Jocelyn! 🙂
This is my favorite sauce for pasta. Looks soo good, I think I will be making this for dinner.
Thank you, Ella! I hope you enjoy it!
Marinara sauce is definitely one of my favourite recipes! So delicious and perfect served with pasta and parmesan! 😀
It’s great for so many things, you just can’t lose. Thanks, Jess! 🙂
Looking at this sauce, I’m wishing pasta was on the menu in my house tonight! Easy recipes like this one are necessities for busy weeknights. And fresh basil makes such a difference!
They are a necessity for sure, and the fresh basil adds so much! Thanks, Kristine! 🙂
I’m the first to admit I’ve bought sauce in a pinch, but I just need to make a big batch and freeze it in portion sizes for emergencies! 🙂
Oooohhh, crushed red pepper flakes! Next time. 🙂
Pasta is one of our favorite go-to meals during the week. So fast, easy and always satisfying and delicious. I love that this is so easy Marcie. It looks absolutely perfect for a weeknight. Pinned. Have a fabulous and relaxing weekend!
Thank you, my dear, and you have yourself a wonderful weekend! 🙂
This looks addictive! I too often buy my pasta sauce.. I need to get on making my own 🙂
I’ve bought it countless times too, but not anymore! I’m keeping a stash in the freezer at all times. 🙂
Marcie I am drooling all over that gorgeous cast iron pot of yours and homemade marinara is my favorite! So trying your recipe!!
Thank you, Ami! That pot was a splurge but it definitely gets a good amount of use! 🙂
I love homemade marinara, it makes dishes taste a lot better! Definitely trying your recipe Marcie, looks delicious!!!
It really does make a difference, doesn’t it? 🙂 Thanks, Mira!
Fresh basil makes me happy too, Marcie! I need a good recipe like this to have on hand…I am a complete disaster when it comes to week-night dinners. Looks like a simple and delicious dinner 🙂
I can use some more organization skills for weeknight dinner too, Denise! If I have some of this in the freezer at all times, I’ll be halfway there! haha 🙂
I love how simple this marinara is! I love any good sauce recipe to smother some pasta in 😉
Thanks, Ashley! I like my pasta extra saucy! 🙂
It’s just too easy to make it than to buy it! 🙂
Homemade sauce is the bomb dot come and yours look fabulous Marcie! Yum!
Haha! Thank you, Trish! 🙂
I’m all about that sauce and that red pot! Wowzee!
Thank you! Red does happen to be my favorite color. 🙂
This does look like liquid gold!! What a great sauce Marcie… When can I stop by for dinner 🙂
Come on down, Deb, and thanks! 🙂
Thank you, Robyn, and I totally understand about having photos in the “re-do bin”! haha
I have a garlic allergy. Suggestions for replacements?
Simply omitting the garlic would be fine.
This was so easy and tastes great! I didn’t change a thing. Thank you!
Thank you for leaving your feedback Robin and I’m so glad you enjoyed the sauce! 🙂
Can this recipe be canned? If so what changes would be needed if any to can for longer storage? Also is there a conversion for how much of each ingredient is need in cups or another measurement system? Thanks 😊Â
If you’d like to can the sauce I would recommend looking for safe canning instructions as I’m no expert on that topic. I plan to work on that but haven’t done so at this time. And sorry, I don’t have the ingredient quantities in any other measurement system.