Description

This homemade tomato sauce is a rich, comforting, and endlessly versatile staple. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, it’s slow-simmered to perfection—resulting in a velvety sauce packed with deep flavor and wholesome goodness. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping garlic bread, this recipe is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and completely free from preservatives. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this sauce will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients

3 lbs fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz each)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a handful of fresh basil
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon butter or more olive oil for finishing

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Instructions

Blanch, peel, and chop fresh tomatoes (or crush canned tomatoes by hand).
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and cook until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and their juices. Stir to combine.
Season with salt, pepper, sugar (if needed), herbs, and optional red pepper.
Simmer uncovered over low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Purée with an immersion blender if desired.
Stir in butter or olive oil at the end for richness. Serve warm or store.

Notes

Add a Parmesan rind during simmering for extra depth.
Use fresh basil at the end for a burst of flavor.
Sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Sauce
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian