Classic Tomato Sauce
Embrace the timeless simplicity of homemade comfort with this *Classic Tomato Sauce* recipe—a versatile kitchen staple that’s bursting with authentic Italian flavors. Made with fragrant olive oil, sweet sautéed onions, garlic, and rich canned whole peeled tomatoes, this sauce is gently simmered to perfection and enhanced with a harmonious blend of dried oregano, basil, and a hint of sugar for balance. Whether you prefer it chunky or velvety smooth, the sauce can be customized to suit your taste—and a final flourish of fresh basil leaves adds a delightful freshness. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or any recipe calling for a robust tomato base. Make it ahead for meal prep and savor its homemade goodness all week long!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the canned whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon or hands into smaller pieces.
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the sauce and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until your desired consistency is achieved.
Stir in fresh basil leaves (if using) for added brightness and flavor just before serving.
Serve the sauce warm over pasta, use it as pizza sauce, or cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
530 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2179 mg | 95% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.9 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.9 g | ||
| Protein | 8.7 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1543 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
