Easiest Hearty Homemade Marinara Sauce
servings: 6
There’s nothing like the rich, comforting aroma of hearty homemade marinara sauce simmering on the stove. This simple recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples and delivers bold, authentic flavor that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 14.5 ounce cans tomato sauce
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to infuse the oil with its flavor. If using garlic powder, skip this step and add it with the spices in the next step.
- Add 2 cans of tomato sauce, 1 can of tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons dried basil to the saucepan. Stir everything until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or stir in an additional spoonful of tomato paste.
Using as Pizza Sauce: Simmer for an extra 5–10 minutes to thicken, or add an additional 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Canning Tip: If planning to can this sauce, ensure proper acidification (e.g., adding lemon juice or citric acid) and follow reputable canning instructions, such as those from nchfp.uga.edu.
Customizing Flavors: Feel free to adjust the spices or add extras like red pepper flakes, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan for a personal twist.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.