Once I want a fast, no-fuss sauce, this marinara is the one I make. It’s garlicky, made with pantry staples, and prepared in 20 minutes—nice for pasta, pizza, and meatballs.
Home made Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a kind of kitchen staples I make on repeat. This model is fast, simple, and made with easy pantry substances—however the taste is wealthy, brilliant, and completely balanced. I’m actually choosy in regards to the model of tomatoes I exploit, and I all the time get the most effective outcomes with Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes (the inexperienced label). In case you have a favourite you’re loyal to, go for it—San Marzano is one other nice possibility. And in contrast to many store-bought jars, this selfmade marinara is lighter, has fewer energy, and no added sugar—simply actual substances and daring taste.
It’s good with lasagna, turkey meatballs, layered into hen parmesan, or spooned over pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Marinara Sauce
I’ve been making this simple marinara sauce for years as an alternative of shopping for jarred sauce. It’s so versatile and utilized in so lots of my recipes. Right here’s why it really works!
- Prepared in below 20 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Naturally lighter than store-bought sauces
- No added sugar
- Freezer-friendly
- Versatile—apply it to pasta, pizza, meatballs, and extra
Initially revealed in 2011. I up to date this submit in 2025 after updating the photographs, and simplifying the steps—it’s nonetheless my go-to marinara!
Substances You’ll Want
Right here’s every little thing you have to make this fast tomato sauce. See recipe card under for measurements.
- Olive oil – For a wealthy, genuine Italian base
- Garlic – Provides depth and traditional taste
- Crushed tomatoes – I exploit Tuttorosso (inexperienced label); San Marzano tomatoes is one other nice possibility
- Kosher salt and black pepper – For seasoning
- Dried oregano – Basic marinara taste
- Purple pepper flakes – Optionally available, for a contact of warmth
- Bay depart – for delicate taste
- Contemporary basil – Stirred in on the finish for a brilliant, herby end
Learn how to Make Marinara Sauce
Right here’s the step-by-step photographs. See recipe card under for printable instructions.
- Sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan, warmth olive oil over medium warmth. Add smashed garlic and cook dinner till aromatic, about 30 to 60 seconds—don’t let it burn.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir within the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, crushed pink pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and scale back warmth to low.
- Simmer: Cut back warmth to low, cowl and simmer for 15 to twenty minutes, stirring sometimes, till thickened barely and flavorful.
- End with basil: Stir in contemporary basil. Style and modify seasoning as wanted.
Storage Suggestions
- Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge as much as 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in parts for as much as 3 months. I really like freezing them in these Souper Cubes.
- Reheat: Heat on the range or microwave till heated by way of.
Marinara vs. Tomato Sauce: What’s the Distinction?
Whereas the phrases are generally used interchangeably, marinara sauce and tomato sauce aren’t fairly the identical.
- Marinara sauce is a quick-cooked sauce made with just some substances—usually crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s gentle, contemporary, and cooks in below half-hour.
- Tomato sauce (often known as sugo or Sunday sauce) is often simmered longer and should embody onions, tomato paste, carrots, celery, wine, and even meat. It’s thicker, deeper in taste, and extra complicated.
Should you’re brief on time or searching for a lighter possibility, marinara is the way in which to go! However in order for you a richer, slow-simmered sauce for a comfy Sunday dinner, tomato sauce could be the higher match.
Extra Methods to Use Marinara Sauce
That is the most effective marinara sauce for fast weeknight meals. Right here’s just a few methods you’ll be able to get pleasure from it:
FAQs
Listed below are among the most typical questions I’ve acquired about this recipe—answered multi function place!
Sure! This sauce freezes fantastically. Let it cool utterly, then retailer in hermetic containers or freezer-safe luggage for as much as 3 months. I wish to portion it out in silicone trays so it’s simple to reheat simply what I want.
Not precisely. Marinara is a quick-cooked sauce made with simply tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Tomato sauce (or sugo) is usually simmered longer and should embody onions, wine, and even meat. Marinara is lighter and quicker—good for on a regular basis meals.
Completely. It makes a fantastic pizza sauce! Should you prefer it a bit thicker, simply simmer it just a few additional minutes to cut back it down earlier than spreading in your dough.
Sure! Whereas this recipe retains it easy, you’ll be able to sauté finely chopped onion, carrots, and even celery with the garlic for extra depth of taste. It provides a pleasant contact in case you have just a few additional minutes.
Generally tomatoes generally is a bit sharp (which is why I swear by Tuttorosso). If that occurs, strive stirring in a pinch of sugar—or a small pinch of baking soda—to mellow it out.
Extra Tomato Sauce Recipes
Should you love this marinara sauce, try these 5 tomato sauce recipes:
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Dimension: 1 /2 cup
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In a medium pot or deep skillet, warmth the olive oil over medium warmth.
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Add garlic and saute till golden, 30 to 60 seconds, being cautious to not burn.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, crushed pink pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and scale back warmth to low.
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Cowl and let simmer about 15 to twenty minutes.
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Take away from warmth and add contemporary basil.
Final Step:
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Refrigerate in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days. Freeze for as much as 3 months.
Serving: 1 /2 cup, Energy: 53 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9.5 g, Fats: 1 g, Sodium: 282 mg, Fiber: 0.25 g, Sugar: 4.5 g
