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Homemade Tomato Sauce
This easy homemade tomato sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and packs in fresh, rich flavor. Use it for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
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Make homemade tomato sauce with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This fresh, rich sauce beats anything from a jar. Use it on pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. You'll never want to go back to store-bought again.
This recipe is super easy to make at home—just follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve added clear photos and directions to help you along the way. Don’t miss our pro tips and most frequently asked questions to make your sauce even better.
More Recipes ⭐ Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce | Meatloaf | Cabbage Roll Casserole
You can make this easy homemade tomato sauce with fresh ingredients and simple pantry staples. It’s thick, full of flavor, and perfect for pasta night, family dinners, or even a quick pizza sauce.
Skip the store-bought jars—this recipe gives you better taste and more control over what goes in your sauce. Follow the simple steps below and get ready to wow your family with a sauce that’s made from scratch.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this tomato sauce recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
- 3 to 4 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes OR 12 to 15 fresh tomatoes
- 1½ teaspoons of black pepper
- 4–6 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves OR 1–2 tablespoons of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, optional
- ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese
Substitutions and Additions
Give your homemade tomato sauce a fun twist with a few tasty swaps and add-ins! Mix and match your favorites to make it your own. Check out these top ways to switch things up:
- Substitute Crushed Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand for a chunkier texture.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Toss in a pinch for a little heat without overpowering the sauce.
- Substitute Olive Oil: Try avocado oil for a milder taste that still blends well with garlic and onion.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
Follow along with our step-by-step photos to make the best homemade tomato sauce recipe. Use the tips and tricks below to help you get it just right. Let’s get started!
Pro Tip
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you will need to remove the skins. A simple method is to score the skins with a sharp knife, boil the whole tomatoes for about one minute, and then plunge them into cold water.
You will want to do this in batches. Once the tomatoes have cooled, the skins should peel off easily. Chop and blend in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
FIRST STEP: Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart or larger pot over medium heat.
SECOND STEP: Add the chopped or minced garlic and heat for one to two minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Pro Tip
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.
THIRD STEP: Add the tomatoes, black pepper, basil, and sugar. Stirring often, bring the ingredients to a low boil.
FOURTH STEP: Reduce the heat to low heat and simmer for two to three hours, stirring often.
FIFTH STEP: For the first half of the simmer time, leave the pot uncovered and cover for the last half.
SIXTH STEP: Stir in the cheese and simmer for an additional five minutes or so.
Pro Tip
Canning: Fill quart or pint mason jars with the spaghetti sauce. Wipe down the top of the jar before putting on the lid and ring. Slowly lower the jars into a hot water canning bath and allow them to boil for 40 minutes.
Using jar lifters, carefully raise the jars out of the bath and allow them to cool on the counter overnight. As the lids seal, you will hear a slight popping sound. Store for up to one year.
How To Serve Simple Tomato Sauce
There are lots of ways to serve this homemade tomato sauce recipe! It works for busy weeknights, special dinners, and everything between.
- Family Pasta Night: Serve this sauce over pasta, penne, or ravioli for a dinner everyone will love—especially picky eaters. Pair it with sweet and sour meatballs or crispy chicken Parmesan for a full meal.
- Potluck or Party Table: Spoon it into a slow cooker and keep it warm for dipping or serving with BBQ'd chicken sliders. It also pairs well with cheesy pull-apart bread or fried cheese balls.
- Cold Weather Comfort: This sauce brings warmth to cozy fall and winter dinners when you need something filling. Serve it with baked ziti or homemade soft pretzels for a hearty meal that hits the spot.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
This easy tomato sauce is a reader favorite for so many good reasons. It’s easy, flexible, and way better than anything from a jar. Whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding a hungry family, this recipe always comes through.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy skills—just stir, simmer, and taste as you go.
- Made with Pantry Staples: You probably have everything you need already sitting in your kitchen.
- Big Batch Friendly: Make a lot, freeze some, and skip the stress on busy nights.
- Customizable: Want it chunky or smooth? Spicy or mild? You can tweak it your way.
- Kid Approved: Even picky eaters love it, especially over their favorite noodles.
- Weeknight Hero: Toss it with pasta, and dinner’s done—fast, filling, and satisfying.
This homemade tomato sauce keeps things simple, and that’s exactly why readers keep coming back for more.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned ones, but make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best result.
Should I blend the tomato sauce or leave it chunky?
You can blend the tomato sauce if you prefer it smooth. If you like texture, leave it chunky and rustic.
Can I double this tomato sauce recipe?
Yes, you can double this homemade tomato sauce. Use a large pot and stir often to keep it from sticking.
Can I use a nonstick pot to make tomato sauce?
Yes, you can make this tomato sauce in a nonstick pot. Just stir often and avoid using metal utensils.
Does this tomato sauce need a lid while simmering?
Keep the lid slightly off while simmering your tomato sauce. That helps reduce the liquid and thickens the sauce faster.
Do I need to stir the tomato sauce while it simmers?
Yes, stir your tomato sauce often while it simmers so it doesn’t stick or burn at the bottom of the pot.
Can I add meat to this tomato sauce while it cooks?
Yes, you can add ground beef or sausage to this tomato sauce. Brown the meat first, then simmer it in the sauce.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve homemade tomato sauce with pasta?
Spoon the hot sauce over cooked pasta, then toss it together so every bite gets coated evenly.
Can I serve this tomato sauce on pizza?
Yes, spread a thin layer of this sauce over pizza dough before adding cheese and toppings, then bake as usual.
Is this tomato sauce good for dipping?
Absolutely, use it as a warm dip for breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.
Should I serve this tomato sauce hot or cold?
Serve homemade tomato sauce hot for the best texture and taste—it sticks to pasta and bread much better that way.
Can I use this tomato sauce in a baked pasta dish?
Yes, layer it into baked pasta like lasagna or baked ziti for a rich, comforting main course.
Is this tomato sauce okay for a dinner party?
This tomato sauce works great for casual dinners or big gatherings—serve it with pasta or sliders to keep things simple.
Storage FAQ
Follow the tips, directions, and tricks below to store your homemade tomato sauce the right way. You'll keep the flavor fresh and save time for your next meal. We’ve included simple instructions for refrigerating, freezing, thawing, and reheating—plus answers to the most common questions.
How do I store leftover homemade tomato sauce?
Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to five days.
Can I freeze homemade tomato sauce?
Yes, let the sauce cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen tomato sauce?
Thaw your sauce in the fridge overnight or place the sealed container in cold water to speed up the process.
How should I reheat homemade tomato sauce?
Reheat the sauce on the stove over medium heat, stirring often until it's heated through and starts to simmer.
Should I freeze tomato sauce in single portions?
Freezing in single portions makes weeknight meals easier. Just grab what you need and keep the rest frozen.
Homemade Tomato Sauce
This easy homemade tomato sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and packs in fresh, rich flavor. Use it for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped or minced)
- 3 to 4 cans crushed tomatoes (28-ounces, OR 12 to 15 fresh tomatoes)
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 4 to 6 tablespoons fresh basil (OR 1 to 2 tablespoons dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan (or Romano cheese)
DIRECTIONS
- Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart or larger pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped or minced garlic and heat for one to two minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add the tomatoes, black pepper, basil, and sugar. Stirring often, bring the ingredients to a low boil.
- Reduce the heat to low heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring often.
- For the first half of simmer time, leave the pot uncovered and cover for the last half.
- Stir in the cheese and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or so.
Notes
- If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you will need to remove the skins. A simple method is to score the skins with a sharp knife, boil the whole tomatoes for about one minute, and then plunge them into cold water. You will want to do this in batches. Once the tomatoes have cooled, the skins should peel off easily. Chop and blend in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.
- Canning: Fill quart or pint mason jars with the spaghetti sauce. Wipe down the top of the jar before putting on the lid and ring. Slowly lower the jars into a hot water canning bath and allow them to boil for 40 minutes. Using jar lifters, carefully raise the jars out of the bath and allow them to cool on the counter overnight. As the lids seal, you will hear a slight popping sound. Store for up to one year.
Nutrition
Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Comments
Jean McD says
I used to can fresh veggies and meats often. We had 7 kids and it was practical and fun. You have awakened they happy feeling for me again. It is a real joy to see the end product on your shelves. Thank you for sharing.