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A cast-iron skillet filled with rich, simmering homemade pasta sauce on a rustic countertop.
Allison Dennison

Homemade Marinara Sauce

This simple, flavorful marinara sauce is made with pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and onions, then simmered to perfection with Italian herbs. It’s rich, versatile, and perfect for lasagna or any pasta dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this sauce is a must-have for your favorite Italian recipes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Small onion, finely diced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Cans (28 ounces each) Whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Saucepan or Pot – For cooking the sauce.
  • 1 Cutting Board – For chopping onions and garlic.
  • 1 Chef’s Knife – To dice vegetables and herbs.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the sauce.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
  • 1 Can Opener – For opening canned tomatoes (if using).
  • 1 Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional) – For a smoother sauce texture.
  • 1 Ladle (Optional) – For portioning or transferring sauce.
  • 1 Strainer (Optional) – To remove seeds or achieve a finer texture if desired.
  • 1 Storage Containers or Jars – For storing leftover sauce.

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Crush the canned tomatoes by hand and add them to the pan along with the juices.
  3. Stir in sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Blend the sauce for a smoother texture or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage for Homemade Marinara Sauce

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade marinara sauce is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors deepen and improve over time. Here’s how you can prepare and store it in advance:
  1. Refrigeration: After cooking, let the sauce cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, divide the sauce into portion-sized containers or freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your marinara sauce stays fresh and flavorful:
  1. Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
  2. Portioning: Freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for small portions, perfect for quick meals or single servings. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
  3. Canning (Optional): If you’re experienced with canning, you can preserve the marinara sauce in sterilized jars using a water bath canning method. This allows you to store it at room temperature for several months.
With these make-ahead and storage tips, you’ll always have a delicious homemade marinara sauce ready for your favorite dishes!