Great Basic Tomato Sauce
Elevate your home-cooked meals with this Great Basic Tomato Sauce—a versatile and flavorful kitchen staple that pairs effortlessly with pasta, pizza, and beyond. Made with a handful of pantry essentials like crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and aromatic spices, this sauce comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The sweetness of a touch of sugar balances the tomatoes’ acidity, while optional red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. Simmered to perfection, this rich and robust sauce is finished with fresh basil for a fragrant, gourmet touch. Whether you're crafting a hearty spaghetti dish or a homemade Margherita pizza, this easy tomato sauce recipe guarantees maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 ounces (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon (optional) red pepper flakes
- 5 chiffonade (optional, for garnish) fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Garnish with freshly chiffonade basil leaves before serving. Serve over pasta, as a pizza sauce, or as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
513 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.3 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1253 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.8 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.1 g | ||
| Protein | 10.3 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 249 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2039 mg | 43% | |
*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.
