Marinara Sauce from Scratch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marinara Sauce from Scratch is a classic Italian staple that’s simple, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this homemade version is free of preservatives and tastes far superior to store-bought sauces. Whether you’re topping pasta, using it as a pizza base, or dipping breadsticks, this sauce brings rich, authentic flavor to any dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil
garlic cloves
crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
salt
black pepper
dried oregano
dried basil
crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
sugar (optional to balance acidity)
fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.

Let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Use immediately or allow to cool and store for later use.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 cups of sauce.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add chopped onions and sauté them with the garlic for added depth.
Use fresh, peeled tomatoes for a brighter, more natural flavor.
Blend the sauce for a smoother texture if desired.
Add a splash of red wine during cooking for richness.
Include capers or olives for a briny twist.

storage/reheating

Store Marinara Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding.

Is this sauce vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan as long as no animal products are added.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely, just increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking.

Do I need to add sugar?

Only if the tomatoes are too acidic. Taste before adding.

Can I can this sauce?

Yes, but follow proper canning guidelines for acidity and safety.

What if I want a chunkier sauce?

Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed or add extra tomato chunks.

Is this sauce good for pizza?

Yes, it’s a perfect base for homemade pizza sauce.

How long should I simmer it?

At least 20 minutes, but longer simmering enhances the flavor.

What kind of tomatoes are best?

San Marzano or Roma tomatoes are excellent choices.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales well and is great for batch cooking.

Conclusion

Marinara Sauce from Scratch is a timeless recipe that brings the heart of Italian cooking into your kitchen. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, this sauce enhances everything from pasta to pizza. Once you make it at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.

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