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4.9 from 60 votes

Our Favorite Homemade Tomato Sauce (using fresh tomatoes!)

The best homemade tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes, delicious caramelized onions and plenty of garlic. This basic pasta sauce recipe is easy to make and perfect for customizing to make it super creamy and even a little cheesy. You'll never go back to canned tomato sauce again!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 206 kcal
Course: Condiments , Lunch
Cuisine: Italian , American , Vegan

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half
  • 8 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper
  • For the caramelized onions:
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Additions:
  • ½ cup packed basil leaves
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional add ins:
  • Light/regular coconut milk for a creamy vegan sauce
  • Whole dairy milk/heavy cream for a creamy texture
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • A tablespoon or two of butter, for richer flavor

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place halved tomatoes and garlic cloves on the baking sheet and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes.
  2. While the tomatoes are roasting, you can make the caramelized onions: Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to a large pot and place over medium heat. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions with olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally. Check onions every 5-10 minutes until they have completely caramelized and turned golden in color. This usually takes 20 minutes.
  3. Once tomatoes and garlic are done roasting, allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then add them to a food processor with caramelized onions and basil or high powered blender and process for a chunkier sauce or blend completely for a smooth tomato pasta sauce. Alternatively you can add the tomatoes to the large pot and use an immersion blender. It's really just about what you have available to you!
  4. After blending, transfer back to the pot, turn to medium low heat and add in oregano and salt and pepper to taste. From there you can add in any additional add-ons you want (as listed in the ingredients). Serve with your favorite pasta! Serves 4.

Notes

  • To store: store any leftover tomato sauce in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Reheat it back on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • To freeze: add the leftover sauce to a freezer-friendly, airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the sauce thaw in the fridge before heating it through on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • See the full post for easy ways to customize your tomato sauce!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving (based on 4) Calories 206cal (10%) Carbohydrates 22.6g (8%) Protein 3.9g (8%) Fat 13.1g (20%) Saturated Fat 1.8g (9%) Fiber 4.9g (20%) Sugar 2.4g (5%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 206

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (based on 4)
Calories 206cal 10%
Carbohydrates 22.6g 8%
Protein 3.9g 8%
Fat 13.1g 20%
Saturated Fat 1.8g 9%
Fiber 4.9g 20%
Sugar 2.4g 5%

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