2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
3 to 4 cans crushed tomatoes (28-ounces each), OR 12 to 15 fresh tomatoes, diced
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1½ teaspoons black pepper
4 to 6 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1–2 tablespoons dried basil)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
⅓ cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese
For a sweet treat after your meal, try these Fluffy Bakery-Style Vanilla Cupcakes to complete your Italian dinner.
Instructions
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add chopped or minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine with the garlic and oil.
Season: Add black pepper and fresh basil to the sauce, stirring again to distribute the herbs evenly.
Add Sugar (Optional): If your tomatoes are acidic, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop fully.
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Add Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in grated parmesan or Romano cheese. Let it melt into the sauce, enriching the texture and flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or basil as desired for your preferred flavor profile.
Why This Tomato Sauce Is Perfect for Meal Prep
This homemade tomato sauce can be prepared in large batches, stored in jars, and frozen for up to three months. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping pasta, lasagna, or pizza nights. For a full Italian-inspired dinner, pair this sauce with Sticky Honey Garlic Ribs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add brightness to your sauce, but you can also add oregano for a classic Italian flavor.
Blend for Smoothness: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency before adding cheese.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a slight heat to your sauce.
Roasted Tomatoes: For deeper flavor, roast your fresh tomatoes with garlic and olive oil before adding them to the pot.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced carrots or bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.
Wine Infusion: Add a splash of red wine while simmering for a richer, deeper taste.
For additional inspiration, explore Serious Eats’ sauce techniques.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade tomato sauce is incredibly versatile:
Serve over your favorite pasta for a classic Italian dinner.
Use as a base for homemade pizza for a fresh, vibrant taste.
Stir into casseroles or lasagna for layered flavor.
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Use as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
Add to meatballs and let simmer for an enriched main dish.
Pair it with a crisp salad like this Cucumber Salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Storage
Store your homemade tomato sauce in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or silicone molds for portioned use, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove before serving.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Makes 6–8 cups of sauce, serving 6–8
Tools Used
Large pot
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater for parmesan
Nutrition Information (Approximate per ½ cup serving)
Calories: 90
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
FAQs About Homemade Tomato Sauce
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, canned crushed tomatoes are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.
How do I reduce acidity in tomato sauce?
Add a tablespoon of sugar or a grated carrot to the sauce to naturally balance acidity.
Can I make this sauce without cheese for a vegan option?
Absolutely. Skip the parmesan and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Yes, you can brown ground beef or sausage and add it while simmering for a meat sauce variation.
Final Thoughts
This homemade tomato sauce recipe will quickly become your go-to kitchen staple, adding richness and fresh flavors to every dish. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and customizable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.
Consider pairing your sauce with a sweet treat like our Homemade Fruit Cake to round out your meal, or explore Delish’s collection of pasta recipes to find new ways to use your homemade sauce.
Enjoy the vibrant taste of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil in every spoonful, and let this sauce elevate your home cooking to the next level.
Recipe Title: Homemade Tomato Sauce
Summary:
Make a rich, fresh homemade tomato sauce with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and basil for your pasta, pizza, and Italian dishes. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for healthy family meals.
Equipment:
Large pot
– Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic (chopped or minced)
12 –15 fresh tomatoes (diced (or 3–4 cans crushed tomatoes))
1½ teaspoons black pepper
4 –6 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped (or 1–2 tablespoons dried basil))
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
⅓ cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions:
1️⃣ In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
2️⃣ Add crushed or fresh tomatoes and stir to combine.
3️⃣ Season with black pepper and add fresh basil. Stir well.
4️⃣ Add sugar if desired to balance acidity.
5️⃣ Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
6️⃣ Stir in grated parmesan or Romano cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
7️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes:
For a smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender before adding cheese.
Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
Store in the fridge for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Perfect over pasta, as pizza sauce, or in lasagna.
Italian
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