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Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce: Quick Weeknight Triumph
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Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time37 minutes
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes or a big can of whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or a handful of fresh basil, torn
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, but you know the drill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
  • Dash of black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Don’t let it burn—yes, I’ve burned garlic and cried about it too.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken a bit and fill your kitchen with a friendly aroma.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. If it tastes flat, a tiny more salt or a splash of water to loosen it up works. If it tastes too acidic, a pinch more sugar can fix it.
  • If you have fresh basil, stir it in at the end for a bright, green zing. If not, no worries—season to taste and serve.