Classic Homemade Marinara Sauce

User Reviews

4.9

60 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    155 kcal

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Classic Homemade Marinara Sauce

Classic Homemade Marinara Sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, onion, and garlic, then seasoned with oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar. Fresh basil and olive oil are added at the end to enhance aroma and flavor, producing a balanced sauce suitable for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.

Description

This Classic Homemade Marinara Sauce starts by sautéing grated onion in butter until softened and translucent. Minced garlic is then added briefly to release aroma without browning. Crushed tomatoes and seasonings—including oregano, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and a slight amount of sugar to balance acidity—are combined and simmered to develop flavor and thicken slightly.

After simmering for 15-20 minutes, fresh chopped basil and extra-virgin olive oil are stirred in off heat. This final addition preserves the brightness and aromatic qualities of the herbs and oil. The sauce has a smooth texture with well-rounded, savory tomato flavor accented by herbs and subtle sweetness.

This versatile marinara works well with pasta, as a dip, or layered in baked dishes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving. Removing the bay leaf before serving ensures a clean finish without bitterness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup onion grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
  • 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and saute for 5-7 minutes, until translucent and soft.
  3. Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper and sugar and stir to combine. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil and olive oil. Season with salt & pepper, to taste.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 155kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 613mg (26%) Potassium 633mg (13%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 676IU (14%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 83mg (8%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 155 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 155kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 613mg 26%
Potassium 633mg 13%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 676IU 14%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 83mg 8%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

60 reviews
Excellent

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