Tomato Sauce
A rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on pizza, or as a base for countless Italian-American dishes. Ready in under an hour and so much better than the jarred stuff.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, but not browned.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Develop Tomato Flavor
- b.Add the tomato paste to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir it constantly into the aromatics.
- c.Cook for 2-3 minutes until the paste darkens to a brick-red color and smells fragrant. This step caramelizes the paste and removes any raw, metallic taste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build and Simmer the Sauce
- b.Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Swirl the 1/4 cup of water in the empty can to rinse out any remaining tomato and add it to the pot.
- c.Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and the optional bay leaf. Stir everything together until well combined.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble over medium heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Meld the Flavors
- b.Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot with a lid, leaving a gap for steam to escape. This prevents splattering while allowing the sauce to thicken.
- c.Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can simmer it for up to 60 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully take out and discard the bay leaf.
- c.Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly without losing its fresh aroma.
- d.Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as needed. Your sauce is now ready to serve.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano. They have a sweeter taste and lower acidity.
- 2For a smoother, less chunky sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the pot after simmering.
- 3Add a Parmesan cheese rind to the sauce while it simmers for an extra layer of savory, umami flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
- 4For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the very end. It adds a beautiful, velvety finish.
- 5This sauce freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Arrabbiata
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or more, depending on your heat preference. Sauté them with the garlic in step 1.
Creamy Tomato SauceCreamy Tomato Sauce
After simmering and removing from heat, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
Puttanesca StylePuttanesca Style
During the last 15 minutes of simmering, add 1/2 cup of pitted and chopped Kalamata olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, and 2-3 minced anchovy fillets.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Sauté diced carrots and celery along with the onion in step 1 for a more complex vegetable base (a classic soffritto).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and protection against sun damage.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Immunity Boosting
Garlic and onions contain compounds like allicin, which have natural antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, helping to support your body's defenses.
Controlled Sodium Content
Unlike many commercial pasta sauces that are high in sodium, this homemade version allows you to control the amount of salt, making it a better choice for blood pressure management.
Frequently asked questions
A one-cup serving of this homemade tomato sauce contains approximately 110-130 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. Most of the calories come from the olive oil and the natural sugars in the tomatoes.