Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

Name: Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups chopped yellow or white onion; 12 cups whole canned tomatoes; 1 head garlic (minced); 4-5 sprigs fresh oregano; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1½ teaspoons salt; ½ cup fresh basil

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Craving fresh tomato flavor without hours of work? This quick one-pot Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce is your answer! Blend pantry-friendly canned tomatoes with sautéed onions, a burst of fresh herbs (basil & oregano!), just the right amount of garlic, and a hint of fiery red pepper flakes. Deeply flavorful in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect partner for pasta, pizzas, and beyond. And the good news? It’s vegan & gluten-free!

overhead shot of tomato sauce with white cheese cloth, fresh herbs around, wooden spoon, and tomatoes around

About This Recipe

This tomato sauce is something we have been making for YEARS! It’s a staple recipe in our kitchen. We use it in almost every single savory recipe we make. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, it’s a must-have! Everyone in our family loves it, even our friends. It’s so good that you could eat it with a spoon like tomato soup!

Typically, we make up a really big batch of this and store it in the freezer, grabbing pre-measured out bags when we need them. Though, I will admit, we always run out way too fast! We make this at least once a month.

angled shot of pot full of tomato sauce with basil sprig on handle, stack of white plates behind

tomato sauce in pot with white cheese cloth, basil sprigs, tomatoes, garlic cloves, and pepper flakes around on marble surface

This quick and easy tomato sauce is a family favorite I developed years ago for busy weeknights. It starts with pantry staples and comes together in no time, perfect for whipping up a healthy meal after swim practice, soccer practice, or any other activity.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and the one trick that really elevates it is using fresh herbs instead of dried. They add a vibrant, fresh flavor that makes all the difference!

We’re continually finding new ways to use this versatile sauce. It’s a delicious base for soups, ladled over pasta, or layered in dishes like Zucchini Lasagna. It also works wonders mixed into other sauces or used as a pizza topping like in our Fresh Tomato, Arugula, and Feta Pizza or this classic Margherita Pizza. And you won’t be disappointed pairing it with Chicken Parmesan either!

To save time, we make a big batch and freeze it in portions – 8 ounces is perfect for us. Simply defrost and heat it up when you need a quick and flavorful sauce.

cropped overhead shot of tomato sauce in cast iron pot with basil sprig on handle, wooden spoon beside, herbs, fresh tomatoes, and garlic cloves around on marble surface

Why You Will Love This Tomato Sauce!

Dietary Freedom: This versatile sauce caters to a variety of dietary needs, being naturally vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
Effortless Efficiency: Whip up this flavorful sauce in just 45 minutes or less – perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meals.
All Around Favorite: From pasta and casseroles to pizzas and soups, this sauce shines in countless dishes.
Crowd-Tested and Approved: This tried-and-true recipe has wowed guests at countless gatherings.
Seasonal Versatility: Enjoy vibrant tomato flavor year-round, regardless of the calendar.
Convenient Stockpile: Freeze this sauce in portions for a ready-made flavor boost whenever you need it.

overhead shot of pot of tomato sauce on marble surface with basil sprigs, tomatoes on the vine, garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes around, with wooden spoon and stack of white plates beside with a cheese cloth

Grab These Pantry Staples

(Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)

Olive Oil – A healthy fat extracted from olives, olive oil adds richness. It is used to sauté the onions before adding the other ingredients to the pot.
Chopped Onions – Sautéing onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
Whole Tomatoes – They provide the main flavor profile and create the base for the sauce.
Minced Garlic – Aromatic and full of flavor, garlic adds a kick to the sauce.
Fresh Oregano – A common ingredient in tomato sauce, oregano contributes earthy, herbal notes.
Red Pepper Flakes – These are actually just dried chili peppers that have been crushed. They add a nice spicy heat.
Salt – It brings out the flavors in the sauce and gives it a well-rounded taste.
Fresh Basil – An herb with a sweet, slightly peppery, anise-like flavor, fresh basil adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the sauce.

bowl of whole tomatoes with juice, chopped onion, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, salt, olive oil, basil, and oregano on marble surface

How To Make This Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce (Step-by-Step!)

Step 1: Sauté onions

Sauté the onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

chopped onions and olive oil in large stock pot

Step 2: Add tomatoes and cook

Add the tomatoes, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Bring to a bubble (not a full rolling boil). Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

whole tomatoes and juice, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and minced garlic in large stock pot

Step 3: Add basil and purée

Add the basil and cook an additional 5 minutes.

basil leaves added on top of tomato mixture

basil leaves stirred into chunky tomato mixture

Use an immersion blender to puree sauce until smooth.

FAQ’s and Troubleshooting

What type of pot is best for making this sauce?

A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal. It will distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

Why is my sauce is sticking/burning on the bottom of the pan?

The heat might be too high, or you might not be stirring it frequently enough. If it’s already slightly burned, don’t worry! You can fix it. Without stirring (you don’t want to get the burned bits mixed in) carefully transfer the sauce to a clean pot and continue cooking. Don’t scrape the old pot!

Why does my sauce tastes metallic?

This could be due to your cookware. Check if your pot is reactive to acidic ingredients like tomatoes.

Can I make this sauce without olive oil?

Yes! You can use cooking spray instead of olive oil.

cropped photo of tomato sauce with tomato sprigs, ted pepper flakes, and fresh tomatoes around

pulled back overhead shot of tomato sauce in large pot with basil and oregano sprigs around, bowl of red pepper flakes, tomatoes on the vine, with white cheese cloth and stack of white plates

Here Are A Few Companion Recipes You Might Like:

two boules of pizza dough on a floured marble surface with a wood rolling pin

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No Knead Sourdough Bread

pulled back angled shot of tomato sauce in cast iron pot on marble surface with tomatoes, basil sprigs, bowl of red pepper flakes around, and stack of white plates

When you make this Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce, be sure to leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

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