Marinara Sauce Recipe

My homemade marinara sauce recipeis one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. It’s just a few simple ingredients simmered together, yet it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. This is the sauce I reach for when I want a fresh, bright flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or breadsticks.

What I love most about marinara is how it shows off the natural sweetness of tomatoes. With only a handful of ingredients most likely in your pantry it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick meal.

It also works in so many dishes. You can spoon it over spaghetti, layer it in lasagna, or serve it as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks. Once you make it from scratch, it’s tough to go back to jarred sauce!

Quick Bites About This Recipe

Flavor: Fresh, garlicky, and tomato-forward with light herb notes.
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly and simple.
Swaps: Use fresh herbs instead of dried if you have them.
Make Ahead: Flavors get even better after a night in the fridge.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze for up to 3-4 months in an airtight container.
Variations & Substitutions: Add balsamic or red wine for depth, granulated garlic and onion for a boost, red pepper flakes for some heat, or a touch of beef bouillon for a heartier sauce.

Classic Marinara Sauce Ingredients

• Olive oil: Helps soften the onion and garlic while adding flavor. A good extra-virgin olive oil makes it shine.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped so it melts right into the sauce and brings sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the heart of marinara. The more you love garlic, the more you can add.
• Crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient! Go for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Dried basil: Brings that classic Italian flavor. If your canned tomatoes include basil, you can skip it.
• Dried oregano: A pinch adds warmth and balance.
• Salt & pepper: Adjust at the end so you get the flavor just right.

How to Make Classic Marinara Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent.

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the basil and oregano.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Storing and Reheating (If There’s Any Leftovers!)

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve Classic Marinara Sauce

Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, layer into baked ziti or lasagna, or use as a dipping sauce for garlic knots and mozzarella sticks.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Taste at the end and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Marinara Sauce Recipe

Courtney

Easy marinara sauce recipe made with simple ingredients like garlic, onion, and herbs. Fresh, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Condiments

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 77 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil omit if in canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large yellow onion
• Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4 cloves garlic
• Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Stir to combine.
  28 oz crushed tomatoes
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  salt and pepper

Notes

• Substitutions: Use fresh herbs instead of dried, or add a splash of balsamic or red wine for a richer flavor. For extra depth, stir in granulated garlic, granulated onion, or 1/2 tablespoon beef bouillon.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for 3-4 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 77kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 176mgPotassium: 441mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 292IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 2mg

Keyword marinara sauce

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