Best marinara sauce, easy marinara sauce recipe, how to make marinara sauce from scratch

I stopped buying store bought jarred marinara and here's why! The rich aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs fills the kitchen, creating a comforting warmth that store-bought sauces just can’t match. Whether you’re spooning it over pasta, using it as a pizza base, or dipping crispy breadsticks, this homemade marinara recipe is a must-have in your cooking arsenal.

Why Make Your Own Marinara Sauce?

Making marinara sauce at home not only ensures you’re using fresh, quality ingredients, but it also allows you to control the flavor and seasoning to your liking. No preservatives, no unnecessary sugar—just pure, simple, delicious sauce made from scratch. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and requires minimal ingredients!

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Ingredients:
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• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce – Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, then add oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
3. Let It Cook – Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Fresh Basil – Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
5. Blend (Optional) – If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
6. Enjoy! – Use immediately over pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Disclaimer: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Alternate Version (Spicy)
​Ingredients 

• 1 can (14-15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce for a smoother texture)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic
   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
   • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Blend (Optional)
   • For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender or food processor.
4. Cool & Use
   • Let the sauce cool slightly before spreading on pizza dough.
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.

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Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce:

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• Use San Marzano Tomatoes – These tomatoes are naturally sweet and less acidic, making them ideal for marinara sauce.
• Simmer Slowly – Allowing the sauce to simmer develops its depth of flavor.
• Adjust to Your Taste – If you like a little sweetness, add a pinch of sugar; if you want extra depth, try a splash of red wine!

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Final Thoughts!

This homemade marinara sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking from scratch. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Give this recipe a try and let me know how you use it in your kitchen.

Making Homemade Pizza? Check out our recipe for stuffed crust garlic herb infused pizza!

Happy cooking!