Name: Homemade Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 can tomato puree (Or Passata) (29 oz ); 2 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar (More is needed); 1 tablespoon fresh basil (Chopped)

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Making your own homemade marinara sauce is one of those little kitchen wins. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried herbs, you’ve got a rich, flavorful sauce that can transform dinner in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the hassle. This recipe is quick, super easy, and way better than store-bought.

Homemade Marinara Sauce by Tessi's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Marinara sauce is such a versatile staple to have on hand. You can toss it with pasta, layer it in lasagna, use it as a pizza base, or even dip your garlic bread into it. It’s one of those sauces that you can make ahead and freeze, so you’re never far from a homemade meal. Perfect for those days when you need dinner to come together fast without sacrificing flavor.

Why you’ll love this Homemade Marinara Sauce

Quick and Easy:
You don’t need to simmer this sauce for hours—10 minutes, and you’re done.
Full of Flavor:
Garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice make this marinara taste way more complex than it actually is.
Super Customizable:
Like it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a smoother sauce? Blend it up!

Simmer Down, It’s Marinara Time!

I’ve got to admit making marinara from scratch makes me feel like a kitchen genius. It’s one of those recipes where you toss in a few ingredients, and suddenly, you’ve got this rich, flavorful sauce that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. I always make a double batch and freeze some for those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Once you’ve got this sauce simmering on the stove, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll never look at jarred sauce the same way again!

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Marinara Sauce

Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds a nice richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor and is the base of any great marinara. Use fresh garlic for the best taste, or sub with garlic powder in a pinch.
Tomato puree: The heart of the sauce. You want a smooth, thick puree that delivers rich tomato flavor. Canned tomato puree works wonders here.
Dried oregano and basil: These herbs add that classic Italian flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them, but dried works just as well.
Red pepper flakes: A little heat never hurt! Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
Salt and pepper: These balance the flavors and enhance the sauce. Be sure to taste as you go.
Sugar: Sometimes, tomatoes can be a bit acidic. A little sugar balances that out, but feel free to leave it out if your tomatoes are sweet enough.

Ingredients for Homemade Marinara Sauce.

How to make Homemade Marinara Sauce

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned.

All of the ingredients in the pan on top of the garlic and oil.

Stir in tomato puree, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

The Homemade Marinara Sauce cooking in the pan.

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The Homemade Marinara Sauce finished cooking in the pan with basil sprinkled on top..

Sprinkle with fresh basil if you like and serve with your favorite pasta or use as a pizza base.

Variations

Extra Garlic: Love garlic? Double it up for an even bolder flavor.
Chunky Marinara: Use crushed tomatoes instead of puree for a thicker texture. Perfect for dishes like lasagna.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you want to turn up the heat.
Herby Goodness: Toss in some fresh basil or thyme toward the end of cooking for extra fresh flavor.
Creamy Marinara: Stir in a little cream at the end for a richer, creamy sauce. Great over pasta!

Serving Suggestions

Pasta Perfection: Toss with spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape for a simple, satisfying meal. For a quick and easy dinner option, try my One Pot Spaghetti recipe.
Pizza Night: Spread it on homemade pizza dough for a quick and easy pizza sauce.
Dipping Sauce: Serve it with garlic breadsticks or mozzarella sticks for a delicious dip.
Lasagna Layering: Use it as a base sauce for your lasagna or baked ziti.
Stuffed Peppers: Spoon it over stuffed peppers before baking for extra flavor.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Homemade Marinara Sauce?

Store leftover marinara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to use it again.

Can I freeze Homemade Marinara Sauce?

This sauce freezes like a champ! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.

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Homemade Marinara Sauce in a pan with a wooden spoon.

Tips & Tricks

Use a Big Pan: The sauce can splatter while it’s simmering, so make sure to use a pan with high sides.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep a close eye when sautéing the garlic. Burnt garlic will make the whole sauce bitter.
Taste As You Go: Tomatoes can vary in acidity, so always taste your sauce and adjust the salt and sugar as needed.
Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a super smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to get it silky smooth.
Make Extra: Double the recipe and freeze portions, so you always have some on hand for a quick dinner.

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FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and cook them down longer to achieve the same consistency. Plum tomatoes work best.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you like your marinara thicker, just let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Alternatively, you can stir in a little tomato paste.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No problem! Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes. The sauce will still be delicious without the heat.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! You can sauté onions, carrots, or bell peppers with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to reheat marinara sauce?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes, this marinara works perfectly as a pizza sauce. Just spread a thin layer over your pizza dough and add your toppings.
Can I omit the sugar?
If you find your tomatoes aren’t too acidic, you can totally skip the sugar. It’s just there to balance things out if needed.