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Delicious smooth marinara sauce in a white bowl with a spoon ready to serve
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5 from 7 votes

Marinara Sauce

This Homemade Marinara Sauce is easy to make and packed with BOLD flavor like San Marzano tomatoes, basil, and lots of garlicky goodness!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Resting Time10 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 3 cups
Calories: 153kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 whole garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp ground oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 28 oz San Marzano Whole Tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf plus 2-3 more optional
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until translucent and tender.
  • Add garlic cloves, oregano, salt, black pepper and red pepper.  Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the tomatoes, then add in the bay leaf and sugar. Stir until fully combined.
  • Bring the sauce to a low-boil then lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow to cook for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Remove the lid, carefully remove the bay leaf, and allow the sauce to cool for about 10 minutes. If using basil, add it here.
  • Add sauce to the blender, blend until smooth, and pour into a heat-safe bowl.
  • Stir sauce into pasta, layer into lasagna, or serve as a dipping sauce! It’s a perfect versatile sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

Once made, this sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for 4 to 5 days. 
Marinara Sauce is also great for freezing! Once made, allow the sauce to completely cool (to room temperature), then transfer to a sealable, airtight container. Freezer bags work great! I wouldn’t recommend using glass containers (mason jars), expansion will occur and the glass can explode. 
Marinara Sauce will keep for up to 4 months in the freezer! 

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2319IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg