Homemade Marinara Sauce is a must-have in any kitchen. This versatile sauce is perfect for pastas, meatballs, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, you’ll find it easy to whip up this sauce from scratch. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This homemade marinara can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight solution.
- Rich Flavor: Using fresh ingredients ensures a vibrant taste that outshines store-bought versions.
- Versatile Use: Great for pasta dishes, pizza toppings, or as a delicious dip for breadsticks.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze it in portions for future meals.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Tools and Preparation
To get started with your Homemade Marinara Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Immersion blender
- Saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the tomatoes directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
- Saucepan: A good-quality saucepan distributes heat evenly for perfect simmering.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accuracy in your ingredient measurements for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
Use this simple homemade marinara sauce for pastas, meatballs, pizza, and as a dipping sauce! This is one of the easiest sauces to make from scratch and is perfect for the freezer.
For the Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 oz. plum tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Blend the plum tomatoes using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food mill until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the blended tomatoes along with the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and salt into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Simmer
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens slightly and is heated through.
Now you have a delicious Homemade Marinara Sauce ready to elevate your meals! Enjoy it fresh or store it away for later use.
How to Serve Homemade Marinara Sauce
Homemade marinara sauce is a versatile delight that can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some delicious ways to serve this easy sauce.
Pasta Dishes
- Spaghetti: Toss your favorite pasta with homemade marinara for a classic meal.
- Lasagna: Layer marinara between sheets of pasta and cheese for a hearty dish.
- Penne: Mix with penne and add vegetables for a healthy twist.
Pizza Topping
- Classic Margherita: Spread the sauce on pizza dough, topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.
- Pepperoni Pizza: Use marinara as the base for a pepperoni pizza that everyone will love.
Meatballs
- Sub Sandwiches: Use homemade marinara to soak meatballs in a sub roll topped with cheese.
- Appetizer: Serve meatballs swimming in marinara as an easy appetizer at parties.
Dipping Sauce
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm marinara as a dip for crusty garlic bread.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Pair fried mozzarella sticks with homemade marinara for dipping.
How to Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your homemade marinara sauce, consider these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Rush Cooking: Allowing the sauce to simmer lets the flavors develop fully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce and adjust salt or herbs to suit your preference.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, red pepper flakes can give your sauce an extra kick.
- Blend Well: Ensure tomatoes are blended smoothly for a uniform consistency.
- Store Properly: Freeze any leftovers in portion-sized containers for easy future meals.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Marinara Sauce
Pair your homemade marinara sauce with these delightful side dishes that complement its rich flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, perfect for dipping in marinara.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and cheese are great alongside pasta dishes.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes an excellent starter.
- Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb option that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives enhances any Italian meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade marinara sauce is easy, but avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using canned or old ingredients can dull the flavor. Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs whenever possible.
- Overcooking Garlic: Cooking garlic too long can lead to bitterness. Sauté just until fragrant, usually about 1 minute.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make the sauce bland. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and seasoning to your preference.
- Not Blending Properly: Leaving chunks in the sauce can affect texture. Blend tomatoes thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
- Ignoring Simmer Time: Skipping the simmer can lead to raw flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes for optimal taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 5–7 days for best flavor.
Freezing Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Use within 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Marinara Sauce used for?
Homemade marinara sauce is versatile and perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
How long does Homemade Marinara Sauce last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to a week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.
Can I customize my Homemade Marinara Sauce?
Absolutely! Add ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat or sautéed onions for sweetness to tailor it to your taste.
What are some great pairings with Homemade Marinara Sauce?
It pairs well with spaghetti, lasagna, meatballs, and even as a topping on grilled chicken or fish.
Final Thoughts
This homemade marinara sauce is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. Its versatility makes it perfect for various dishes, from pasta to pizza. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch. Try making this sauce today and enjoy its fresh flavors!
Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience the rich, homemade flavor of marinara sauce with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this simple marinara can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Using fresh ingredients like ripe plum tomatoes, garlic, and herbs ensures a vibrant taste that far surpasses store-bought versions. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly—make a large batch and enjoy it later! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this homemade marinara sauce is your go-to solution for delicious Italian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 oz. plum tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Blend the plum tomatoes until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Add the blended tomatoes to the saucepan along with bay leaf, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and salt. Stir well.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened and heated through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes. Feel free to customize by adding sautéed onions or other herbs to suit your palate.
