If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting a rich, vibrant tomato sauce that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, this Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is exactly the friend you need. With simple pantry staples transformed through slow simmering into a fragrant and luscious sauce, you’ll find that homemade marinara isn’t just for special occasions—it’s an everyday delight. This recipe balances fresh herbs, tender vegetables, and perfectly seasoned tomatoes to create a sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the sweetness of carrots to the bright punch of fresh basil, every item is chosen to bring out the very best in your homemade sauce.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps soften the vegetables, creating a smooth base.
- Finely diced onion (1 cup): Gives a subtle sweetness and depth that warms the sauce.
- Shredded carrot (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a touch of vibrant color while mellowing acidity.
- Finely diced celery (1/3 cup): Provides an aromatic crunch that enhances complexity.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Brings fragrant, savory notes that are impossible to resist.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy herbal tones that anchor the sauce’s classic Italian character.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Canned tomatoes (2 28-oz cans, undrained): The tomato heart of the sauce—choose diced, whole, or a mix to create your preferred texture.
- Freshly chopped basil (4 tablespoons): Adds a bright, fresh herbaceous touch that makes the sauce sing.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Cuts through acidity gently and rounds out flavors perfectly.
How to Make Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat and add the finely diced onion, shredded carrot, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant—about 4 to 6 minutes. This step is essential for building a base that’s both sweet and flavorful.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper to the softened vegetables. Cooking this mixture for about a minute while stirring constantly releases the aromatic flavors of the tomato paste and herbs, elevating the sauce’s complexity substantially.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
Add the canned tomatoes along with their juice into the pot, followed by the freshly chopped basil and a teaspoon of sugar. Use a wooden spoon to gently break up any whole tomatoes, allowing everything to mingle into a lush, chunky blend that’s bursting with tomato goodness.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer is the magic moment where the sauce thickens to your desired consistency while the flavors harmonize into something truly spectacular. Once your Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe reaches its rich, thick perfection, it’s ready to star in your favorite Italian dish or be saved for later delight.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are perfect little touches that add color, texture, and complementary flavors when serving this marinara sauce. They make each bite feel thoughtfully prepared and inviting.
Side Dishes
This marinara sauce pairs beautifully with classic pasta shapes like spaghetti or penne, but don’t stop there—try it over grilled vegetables, meatballs, or even as a dipping sauce with crispy garlic bread for a total crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering this sauce in a homemade lasagna, dolloping it onto baked eggs for brunch, or swirling it into a warm polenta bowl. The versatility of this Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe means you can enjoy it in countless creative, comforting ways any day of the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the sauce taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This marinara freezes wonderfully. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick sauce, it’s ready and waiting.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Avoid high heat to keep the flavors bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tomatoes, choose ripe, flavorful ones and peel them for a smoother sauce. You’ll want about 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes, diced, to replace the canned tomatoes. Just note that cooking time might be a bit longer to achieve the right consistency.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?
Yes, this Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is naturally vegan since it contains only plant-based ingredients. Just skip any cheese garnish if you want to keep it completely vegan.
How can I adjust the thickness of my marinara sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce and thicken. For a thinner sauce, add a small amount of water or broth and stir well to loosen the consistency.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! While basil and oregano are classic, feel free to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Just add them gradually to suit your taste.
How long does this marinara sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your homemade marinara sauce should stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use, and remember that freezing is a great option for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is a true kitchen treasure—simple to make but full of heart and flavor. It’s the kind of sauce that brings people around the table, sparks creativity, and comforts you after a long day. Give it a try and discover just how rewarding homemade sauce can be!
Print
Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce is a simple and flavorful tomato-based sauce packed with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a base for pasta dishes, pizzas, or as a dipping sauce, it requires minimal ingredients and only about 40 minutes total to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/3 cup finely diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (28-ounce) cans tomatoes (with juice; diced, whole or combination)
- 4 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Place olive oil in a large pot or sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 4-6 minutes.
- Season: Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture is fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add canned tomatoes along with their juice, freshly chopped basil, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, breaking up any whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
- Cook: Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Use immediately or store for later use.
Notes
- You can use a mix of diced and whole canned tomatoes depending on your texture preference.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to suit your taste.
- The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted for a more natural tomato flavor.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking.
- This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
