Elevate your Italian recipes with this homemade Italian Tomato Sauce, bursting with robust flavors and simple ingredients. Made with sweet, slow-simmered crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a perfect blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil, this classic sauce captures the heart of traditional Italian cooking. A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat. Finished with fresh basil for an herby flourish, this versatile sauce is perfect for everything from pasta to pizzas. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, itβs an easy, freezer-friendly staple you'll want to make again and again. Ideal for dinner parties or weeknight meals, this homemade tomato sauce will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian trattoria.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sautΓ© for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
Add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring to blend it into the sauce.
Season with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Serve immediately over pasta, use as a pizza base, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Calories |
560 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.1 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3380 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.7 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.0 g | ||
| Protein | 13.5 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 285 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 3219 mg | 68% | |
*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.