After 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.
Selfmade Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a type of kitchen staples I make on repeat. This model is fast, straightforward, and made with easy pantry components—however the taste is wealthy, vibrant, and completely balanced. I’m actually choosy concerning the model of tomatoes I take advantage of, and I all the time get the most effective outcomes with Tom tulerosso Crushed Tomatoes (the inexperienced label). You probably have a favourite you’re loyal to, go for it—San Marzano is one other nice choice. And in contrast to many store-bought jars, this do-it-yourself marinara is lighter, has fewer energy, and no added sugar—simply actual components and daring taste.
It’s excellent with lasagna, turkey meatballs, layered into rooster parmesan, or spooned over pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Marinara Sauce
I’ve been making this straightforward marinara sauce for years as a substitute 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 beneath 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 printed in 2011. I up to date this publish in 2025 after updating the pictures, and simplifying the steps—it’s nonetheless my go-to marinara!
Substances You’ll Want
Right here’s all the pieces you want 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 take advantage of Tuttorosso (inexperienced label); San Marzano tomatoes is one other nice choice
- Kosher salt and black pepper – For seasoning
- Dried oregano – Basic marinara taste
- Crimson pepper flakes – Elective, for a contact of warmth
- Bay go away – for delicate taste
- Contemporary basil – Stirred in on the finish for a vibrant, herby end
Methods to Make Marinara Sauce
Right here’s the step-by-step pictures. See recipe card under for printable instructions.
- Sautéé 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 crimson pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and cut back warmth to low.
- Simmer: Scale back warmth to low, cowl and simmer for 15 to twenty minutes, stirring often, till thickened barely and flavorful.
- End with basil: Stir in contemporary basil. Style and regulate 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 like freezing them in these Souper Cubes.
- Reheat: Heat on the range or microwave till heated via.
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 components—usually crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s mild, contemporary, and cooks in beneath half-hour.
- Tomato sauce (also called sugo or Sunday sauce) is normally simmered longer and will embody onions, tomato paste, carrots, celery, wine, and even meat. It’s thicker, deeper in taste, and extra complicated.
For those who’re quick on time or searching for a lighter choice, marinara is the best way to go! However in order for you a richer, slow-simmered sauce for a comfy Sunday dinner, tomato sauce is likely to be the higher match.
Extra Methods to Use Marinara Sauce
That is the most effective marinara sauce for fast weeknight meals. Right here’s a number of methods you may get pleasure from it:
FAQs
Listed below are a number of the most typical questions I’ve obtained about this recipe—answered multi function place!
Sure! This sauce freezes fantastically. Let it cool utterly, then retailer in hermetic containers or freezer-safe baggage for as much as 3 months. I prefer to portion it out in silicone trays so it’s straightforward 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 will embody onions, wine, and even meat. Marinara is lighter and sooner—excellent for on a regular basis meals.
Completely. It makes an awesome pizza sauce! For those who prefer it a bit thicker, simply simmer it a number of further minutes to scale back it down earlier than spreading in your dough.
Sure! Whereas this recipe retains it easy, you may sauté finely chopped onion, carrots, and even celery with the garlic for extra depth of taste. It provides a pleasant contact if in case you have a number of further minutes.
Generally tomatoes generally is a bit sharp (which is why I swear by Tuttorosso). If that occurs, attempt stirring in a pinch of sugar—or a small pinch of baking soda—to mellow it out.
Extra Tomato Sauce Recipes
For those who love this marinara sauce, take a look at 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 crimson pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and cut 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
