This Homemade Marinara Sauce is rich, flavorful, and made with simple pantry staples. Bursting with the taste of ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, this sauce is a classic Italian-inspired recipe that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or dipping breadsticks. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and so much better than store-bought. Once you make this, you’ll never want to buy jarred sauce again!

Why You’ll Love This Marinara Sauce

Easy & budget-friendly – pantry staples you already have
Versatile – use for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or dipping
Freezer & canning friendly – perfect for meal prep
Classic flavor – tastes like it came from your favorite Italian kitchen

Tips for Success

Always sauté onion and garlic first to build depth of flavor.
Don’t rush the simmer — slow cooking develops a richer taste.
If sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.

Serving Ideas

Toss with spaghetti and Parmesan cheese for a weeknight dinner
Layer in lasagna or baked ziti
Use as pizza sauce for homemade pies
Serve warm with breadsticks or mozzarella sticks for dipping
Spoon over chicken or eggplant Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 4 lbs fresh Roma tomatoes, peeled and blended. Simmer longer until thick.

2. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze this marinara?
Yes, freeze in freezer bags or jars up to 3 months.

4. Can I make this without onion or garlic?
Yes, though flavor will change. Try adding extra herbs for balance.

5. Is this sauce gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan.

Jana Rae

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Rich, flavorful homemade marinara sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, and dipping. Better than store-bought!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 cups

Course: condiment, sauce

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 90

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled, blended)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar optional, balances acidity
1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
1 bay leaf
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Method

Sauté aromatics – In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add tomatoes – Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Simmer – Add bay leaf, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors deepen.
Adjust seasonings – Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Serve – Use immediately over pasta, on pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Smooth sauce option – Blend with an immersion blender for a silky finish.
Make ahead – Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Canning option – Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Process in a water bath canner for 35 minutes (pints) or 40 minutes (quarts).
Herb variations – Add fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor notes.