Tomato sauce is one of those kitchen staples that every home cook should know how to make. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, layering it in lasagna, or spooning it over meatballs, a good tomato sauce brings bold flavor to the table.
Making tomato sauce from scratch might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple. With just a few pantry ingredients and a bit of simmering time, you can create a sauce that beats anything from a jar. This recipe is cozy, satisfying, and perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at what to expect when making this tomato sauce:
| Course | Cuisine | Difficulty | Servings | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main / Sauce | Italian | Easy | 4 | 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 90 kcal |
Equipment Needed
Making tomato sauce doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, but having the right tools makes the job much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cutting board – For prepping onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Sharp chef’s knife – A good knife speeds up prep and improves safety.
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven – A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching as the sauce simmers.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Perfect for stirring and preventing sticking.
- Can opener – If you’re using canned tomatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy matters, especially with seasoning.
- Blender or immersion blender (optional) – If you like a smooth sauce.
- Ladle or large spoon – For serving or transferring sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make a classic homemade tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to create your own delicious tomato sauce:
- Heat the oil – In a large saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic – Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings – Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Simmer the sauce – Add the bay leaf. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Blend (optional) – For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender. Remove bay leaf before blending.
- Taste and adjust – Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with pasta or store for later.
Essential Note:
Don’t rush the simmer. That 30-minute low simmer is where the magic happens. The flavors deepen, the acidity mellows, and the aroma fills your kitchen. Always taste before serving — sometimes a pinch of sugar or a splash of olive oil balances the whole sauce.
