Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce

3 servings
Homemade Marinara Sauce doesn't get any easier! This requires just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes on the stove for a memorable Italian Marinara.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion

    1/2 cup chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves

    finely minced

  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

    freshly ground

  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil

    or parsley, finely minced, plus more to garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 min). Add minced garlic and stir 1 min, or until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano,  1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a light boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil then turn off the heat.

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade Marinara Sauce

25 min3 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of store-bought sauces that fall flat? This Homemade Marinara Sauce promises authentic, memorable Italian flavor in just 20 minutes, using only a handful of ingredients. You'll love how easily this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a vibrant, delicious sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The true genius of this marinara lies in its elegant simplicity. By focusing on a few quality ingredients—fresh garlic, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs—the flavors are allowed to shine without competition. The short cooking time is precisely what allows the fresh, bright taste of the tomatoes to dominate, rather than becoming muddled.

What makes this recipe special is its ability to deliver a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort, ensuring a perfect balance of savory and fresh notes. It's a testament to the power of classic Italian cooking, proving that great taste doesn't require a long ingredient list or complex techniques.

Expect a beautifully rich and savory sauce with a bright, tangy tomato core, perfectly balanced by the pungent warmth of garlic and the earthy undertones of dried oregano. The crushed tomatoes provide a naturally smooth consistency, creating a comforting mouthfeel that's both hearty and refined. The final flourish of fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous freshness that elevates every bite.

Feel free to swap the fresh basil for fresh parsley if that's what you have on hand; both herbs provide a delightful, verdant finish to the sauce. This recipe’s minimal ingredients make it incredibly versatile, allowing the core flavors to shine.

This versatile marinara is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something deeply flavorful but quick. Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, spread it as a vibrant base for homemade pizza, or use it to simmer tender meatballs for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions