Name: Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (with juices); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 handful fresh basil, chopped; pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Tomato sauce is the quintessential Italian staple that encapsulates warmth and comfort in every bite. The sauce, rich with the velvety texture of tomatoes and rounded out with fragrant herbs and spices, can elevate any dish. Whether drizzled over pasta, used in lasagna, or served alongside a freshly baked pizza, this sauce brings a taste of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen.

Pin this for later!

There’s something magical about creating a homemade tomato sauce. I still remember the first time I decided to ditch the store-bought jars for my very own version; the aroma wafting through the air was irresistible. You don’t need any fancy ingredients for this easy tomato sauce—just a few pantry staples, and you’ve got yourself a delicious base for countless meals. If you’re hungry for simplicity and flavor, let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Tomato Sauce
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Tomato Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up this sauce in just under an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil creates a mouthwatering taste you’ll be craving.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its rich color and wonderful smell, this sauce looks fantastic on any plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lazy weeknight dinners or special occasions—it can pair with virtually anything!
Diet-Friendly Options: This homemade tomato sauce is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to fit vegan diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (with juices): Opt for a high-quality brand. If using fresh ripe tomatoes, you’ll need about 3-4 pounds.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A smooth and fruity olive oil is best for sautéing.
2 tablespoons butter: This adds rich flavor and depth to the sauce; feel free to substitute with more olive oil for a vegan option.
1 medium onion, chopped: Use a yellow or sweet onion for sweetness and flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic will deepen the savory notes—don’t skip this!
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that will enhance the overall flavor; you can also add fresh herbs if you prefer.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: This earthy herb is essential for traditional tomato sauce.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: This balances the acidity of the tomatoes; you can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
1 teaspoon salt: Adjust this to your preference; quality sea salt works wonders.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for adding a hint of heat—great for spicy lovers!
1 handful fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil adds a delightful aroma; if you can’t find it, dried basil works but use half the amount.
Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper complements the dish beautifully.

How to Make Tomato Sauce

Prep the Tomatoes: In a large bowl, open the two cans of whole tomatoes, including their juices. Use your hands to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Don’t be shy—get in there! This helps create a chunky yet smooth sauce.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. The smell will make your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria.
Add the Garlic: Stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Mix in the Tomatoes and Spices: Now, add the prepared tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir.
Simmer the Sauce: Once the sauce starts to bubble, cover the pot slightly with the lid. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Finally, stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil and give the sauce a taste. Season with extra salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. It should be vibrant and flavorful!

Storing & Reheating

To store your homemade tomato sauce, let it cool down completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last for up to three months. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To refresh the flavor, simply toss in a fresh basil sprig or a sprinkle of salt.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When sautéing onions, be patient. Cooking them until soft and translucent builds a flavorful foundation.
If the sauce is too acidic, a bit more sugar can balance it out.
Want to thicken the sauce further? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Experiment with adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary for variations on flavor.
If you find the sauce a little too thick, feel free to add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Tomato sauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. Feel free to tweak it, add veggies, or incorporate different spices to make it your own. This sauce truly shines with your personal touch!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tomatoes, around 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes should work well. Simply blanch them to remove the skins, then dice and proceed with the recipe.

How can I make this sauce spicy?

To kick up the heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you enjoy a stronger spicy flavor, consider caramelizing some diced jalapeños or adding a splash of hot sauce during cooking.

What should I serve this tomato sauce with?

This versatile tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, polenta, pizza, or even as a base for soups. You can also use it to make classic dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes! Your homemade tomato sauce freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before storing in suitable containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

More Soups Recipes

👉 If you make my Tomato Sauce recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.