Go Back
Tomato Sauce Recipe

Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

A rich, smooth, and flavorful homemade tomato sauce made with simple ingredients and slow-simmered to perfection. This easy tomato sauce recipe is perfect for pasta, pizza, casseroles, and meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 800 g 28 oz crushed tomatoes (or fresh peeled tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Large saucepan
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 blender or immersion blender (optional, for smooth texture)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until fully combined.
  4. Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and sugar if using.
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Let it simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  7. For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender or transfer carefully to a blender.
  8. Stir in fresh basil at the end for a bright finish.
  9. Serve warm over pasta, use for pizza, or store for later use.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer (up to 1 hour).
  • You can freeze this tomato sauce for up to 3 months.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
  • This sauce works beautifully as a base for lasagna, meatballs, or creamy tomato pasta dishes.
Tomato Sauce Recipe
Tomato Sauce Recipe