This classic marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 15-30 minutes and you'll have the most delicious and versatile sauce to use with your favorite dishes.
I've come a long way since my Ragu sauce days. This was before I knew what a good marinara sauce should taste like.
Marinara sauce can be cooked with pasta, meatballs, pizza, and used for dipping. It's one of the most basic and flavorful sauces, and can be used as a base for many dishes like spaghetti and meat sauce and baked ziti.
Ingredients
Crushed or whole canned tomatoes will work. Try San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter and more balanced flavor.
San Marzano tomatoes are considered the holy grail of Italian cooking. They are long plum tomatoes with fewer seeds and originate from...you guessed it...San Marzano, Italy.
Look for cans that indicate "certified" or "product of Italy" to ensure you're getting the best of the best.
How to Make Classic Marinara Sauce
- In a saucepan on medium heat, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings and simmer uncovered for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the thicker the sauce will be.
- Break up the whole tomatoes with a spoon for a chunkier sauce or use an immersion blender for a smooth sauce. Add fresh basil if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Use high quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano tomatoes.
- Add a little bit of sugar if your sauce is too acidic.
- If desired, add chopped fresh basil at the end of the cooking process for the most flavor.
How to store marinara sauce?
Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for a couple months. To use on pizza, I like to freeze them in ice cube trays or a muffin tin and transfer to a freezer bag. Defrost and use with any recipe.
Classic Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 28 oz whole or crushed tomatoes San Marzano preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- fresh basil leaves optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan on medium heat sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings and simmer uncovered for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the thicker the sauce.
- Break up the whole tomatoes with a spoon for a chunkier sauce or use an immersion blender for a smooth sauce. Add fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Add more or less seasonings to your liking.
- Add sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
- Substitute herbs with Italian seasoning.
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