Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce, perfect for your favorite Italian meal. This homemade marinara sauce is done in as little as 15 minutes but perfect in 40. Five different add-in options for more flavors!
We love working with homemade marinara sauce in our kitchen and using it in our favorite classic Italian recipes like Chicken Parmesan, Meat Lasagna, and our insanely popular Million Dollar Spaghetti.
MARINARA SAUCE
Marinara Sauce: A Kitchen Staple
Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce is a staple recipe of mine, like my Enchilada Sauce. I usually make batches of it and keep it in the freezer for quick pasta meals.
The best thing about this homemade marinara sauce, aside from being a base recipe, is that it is such an easy recipe to make. You can also adapt it easily for any other needs.
One of the easiest things about this recipe is I intentionally created it to be easily scaled up or down. I always, without fail, make this recipe in quadruple batches and freeze the remaining three. This means I’m usually using 2 onions instead of 1/2 of one. I’m using 2 cups of broth instead of half of one cup.
The thing about pantry staples is you’ll always be glad when you have them in your back pocket for quick weeknights that catch you unprepared. If you get home and nothing is planned you can thaw this sauce quickly, add to frozen meatballs or rotisserie chicken along with some pasta and you have a quick, healthy, and most importantly, homemade meal.
Homemade Marinara Sauce Saves Money!
For many years, I used to spend hours making marinara sauce or I would end up using a jar but it wasn’t until I started toying with quicker recipes that I realized I was wasting time and lots of money (good jarred marinara is not cheap!).
Even using high-quality ingredients in this easy marinara sauce makes a delicious homemade marinara that costs just a few dollars.
The most important part, no matter how much you spend on the jarred sauce, this sauce will taste better. It always will. Fresh garlic will always win, fresh cooking always wins over mass cooking and bottling when it comes to flavors.
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The Best Ingredients for Marinara Sauce
The key to the recipe is to use the best ingredients you can in your recipe. I list out some of my favorites below if you aren’t sure.
- Crushed tomatoes/Tomato Puree – I usually use San Marzano, but Cento and Muir Glen are also great options if they’re more readily available for you. If you’re using a brand that may be more inexpensive, taste the crushed tomatoes first, you may need a hint of sugar to tame the acidity or maybe a small addition of white wine vinegar if the taste is bland.
- Tomato Paste: I use Cento but really I wouldn’t stress the tomato paste. I even sometimes use giant glass jars of tomato paste from ethnic grocery stores.
- Fresh Garlic: If there are three places I don’t like shortcut products it is in jarred garlic, jarred ginger and bottled lemon juice, they NEVER replicate the fresh flavors well.
- Fresh Herbs: add them in at the very end or you’ll lose all the flavor benefits. Fresh Basil and oregano are great flavors for this recipe, I use it often when my plants are in full bloom.
- Dried Herbs: This is a pantry recipe, so I think dried herbs are great in this recipe, they add great flavor, they simmer well with the tomatoes and they freeze well. Just be sure your herbs have not been in your pantry longer than 6 months or they may have lost their flavors. Dried herbs may seem like they’re preserved but they do have a shelf life.
- Chicken Stock: I use Better than Bouillon so I can add as little or as much as I need and I can adjust the strength as needed. Many times I’ll triple the strength when making pan sauces. In this case I like it because my recipe only calls for a 1/2 cup.
Six Options to Adjust this Easy Marinara Sauce
There are multiples ways you can play with this base marinara sauce to fit your recipes and tastes. That’s what’s great about this easy marinara sauce. It’s lovely on its own but a versatile base for different flavor profiles.
- Delicious meat sauce: swap chicken stock for beef stock. Brown your beef well, remove, brown your onions and garlic in a mix of the beef fat and olive oil. For a “sausage” flavor using straight ground beef, add some fennel seeds to the pot too.
- Angry red marinara sauce: Add more crushed red peppers to taste (I’ve done up to two full teaspoons) and add a much larger amount of garlic, I use up to 1/4 cup of minced garlic.
- Vodka Sauce: Add a 1/2 cup heavy cream and a 1/4 cup of vodka. Omit the herbs. This is best served with shrimp or chicken. Also top with healthy amounts of parmesan cheese.
- Creamy marinara sauce: simmer the sauce down to a thicker consistency, uncovered instead of covered, then thin with some cream. I also sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg since the cream adds a hint of sweetness to the marinara sauce anyway.
- Fresh Marinara Sauce: use fresh whole tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil – go for a really juicy tomato, as ripe as you can find. Hard, Roma type tomatoes won’t make for amazing flavors, this type of fresh Marinara sauce is best made towards the end of summer when ripe red tomatoes are most available.
- Simpler, fresher flavors: sometimes I’ll use half the crushed tomatoes and add in fresh roasted garlic tomatoes. I usually do a couple of pints of grape tomatoes and skip the garlic in the base recipe since the garlic roasts on the grape tomatoes.
- Easy Tomato Soup: add chicken stock and some salt, pepper, fresh oregano and basil.
What to serve with this Marinara Sauce:
We love adding this sauce to classic Italian recipes but it is just as easy to serve with easy pastas like Lasagna Soup, Stuffed Shells and Stuffed Peppers. You can even make it easy and serve it with easy things like tortellini, ravioli or meatballs and spaghetti for a quick meal.
Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (water is okay too)
Instructions
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Add the olive oil and onion to the pan and sauté on medium low until very lightly browned.
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Add the garlic and let cook for 15 seconds or so until you can smell the garlic.
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Add in the rest of the ingredients and simmer, covered, on low for 30 minutes.
Recipe Notes
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This has become my go to recipe for marinara sauce and my family loves it, even the kids! I use this sauce for lasagna, spaghetti, ravioli, so many different dishes. I usually double or triple the recipe and freeze part of it so I can easily defrost it on weekdays for a quick meal. This is a really easy sauce to make, but it’s so much better than using sauce from a jar, it just makes every dish better. Thanks for the great recipe, this is definitely a staple in my house!
I really love this recipe! I use my canned tomatoes, and it comes out perfect. We add the vodka and use it with your stuffed shells recipe.
I love your blog!
Thanks, Lisa.
This recipe looks amazing, but i was just wondering if when i use fresh tomatoes does it matter what kind of tomatoes i use and if i have to take off the skin
You can really use whatever tomato you prefer. Each one can offer a different flavor. I like to use San Marzano and bonus, they’re easy to peel.
The servings for this says 8….is that 8 cups? Because I would like to use this for your million dollar spaghetti recipe but for that you need 6 cups of sauce…so I need to know how many times I need to make this sauce. Thanks!
This recipes yields about 4 cups of marinara.
I just went to the store and bought all the ingredients for this recipe (to use in the Ultimate Meat Lasagna). You really should mention on the lasagna recipe that you need 1.5 times this recipe so other people don’t come up short, as well!! Big bummer.
I have stopped using canned/jarred sauce and now make my own all the time, using your recipe and I love it. It is super easy, making it in large batches to portion for later is super convenient and it is fabulous! I will never use jarred stuff again!!!!
Too easy not to make and stock up on, totally agree!
Is there a way to make this recipe using fresh tomatoes? I have a bunch of fresh tomatoes that I need to use up but didn’t know if they could replace the tomato paste and the crushed tomatoes?
Yes, just swap out the crushed tomatoes with fresh tomatoes but I would probably still use the tomato paste to thicken it up. Enjoy!
If you want to go « completely fresh », eggplant Is a great sauce thickener without adding an overpowering flavor. I especially use it this time of year when the garden gives me tons of them! The tinny flavor of tomato paste turns me off. PS The chicken broth in this recipe is an AMAZING idea!
That looks perfect! Question: what instructions do you recommend if I were to use fresh basil?
Just make sure to use twice as much when using fresh basil.
This is super yummy and easy! I use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes because that’s what I have. I’ve made it many times, once for a baked spaghetti recipe, sometimes I add sausage (WOW!), and this time I sautéd carrots with the onions and am adding broccoli a few minutes before serving. This is definitely my go-to recipe and I’ll probably use it for life!
You just made my day, Hannah! Thanks for coming back to let me know.
Can I use fresh tomato instead for this recipe?
Sure 🙂
Very good base indeed. I have been fiddling with marinara for awhile now. I have found this simple, and when I say simple I mean SIMPLE, base is perfect!
I’m using it for pizza sauce.
Hi Sabrina,
Can Grape seed oil be used instead of Olive oil for your recipe ?
Ben
Sure 🙂
Hi there!
I’m making this tomorrow- how is it with fresh Basil instead? My basil plant is thriving! And would I use 4 teaspoons?
Sounds amazing!
My family and friends loves this marinara sauce. I make it in batches of up to 4 to 6 times the recipe. Great for everything. I used it for a football party for meatball sandwich’s. I saw in your post you have a enchilada sauce. I will try that next.
Thank you
You’re welcome, Pete. Thanks for the 5 stars.
I would like to use this sauce for a lasagna recipe with 2lbs of ground beef so should I double the recipe?
Yes 🙂
This sounds amazing! I’m making your baked spaghetti tonight (doubling recipe for 2-9×13 pans) for a large family gathering and using your homemade sauce which requires 6 cups, curious how many batches of sauce I need to make? Thanks so much!
This recipe yields about 4 cups so you’ll need 2 1/2 batches. Enjoy!
The Sauce is amazing. Very good and tasty. My only question is that The nutritional facts are based on serving, so How much is the serving?
1/2 cup. So glad you love it so much!
Is this equivalent to a 24 oz. jar ?
Thank you
This recipe makes about 4 cups which would equal around 32 ounces.
How would this work in a big batch? Like quadrupling it for once a month cooking? Any hints or tips?
That sounds perfect! My only recommendation is to make sure your pot is big enough or make it in two batches.
If I’m doubling the recipe do I need to use 1/2 cup of olive oil to sauté the onion?
I wouldn’t use a 1/2 cup, but you may need more than 1/4 because the oil is also flavoring the sauce. Start with a 1/3 and adjust to taste.
how long can you freeze the extra sauce.
Up to 3 months in an airtight container without issues.
I have a question before I attempt this. How does 28 oz of tomatoes, which is 1 can. and 8 oz of tomato paste yield enough pasta sauce to serve 8 people?? Are we talking about small servings? Also 1/4 cup of olive oil sounds like a lot, why so much? Look forward to your response.
One serving yields about a 1/4 cup. If you feel like you’d like more sauce than this I would recommend making a double batch and freezing the leftovers.
This is absolutely one of the BEST recipes for “QUICK AND EASY MARINARA SAUCE.”
We made this over the 06/12/2019 weekend, and we used it for Garlic Bread Dipping Sauce. OMG. Absolutely AMAZING!!!!!
It has this delicious ‘bite’ that sits on your tongue, stays there, and melts and mixes all the flavor of the world of your meal together in a bite that’s so delicious you don’t want to swallow! You want this to be there in dreamland as you’re devouring your Garlic Cheese Bread. I’ve been looking for an amazing Red Sauce for my Garlic Bread, and I don’t have to look further. We’ll be using this for not just Garlic Bread, as we have left-overs, but for this week’s tortellini and other meals too.
Thank you, Sabrina, for such a wonderful recipe and sharing it too!! Delicious!!
Best,
– Anastacia, currently a novice new cook! Yummo Hugs!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for the amazing review!
Hey, I wanna make this tomorrow. Can I use Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base? I’m vegetarian.
Of course 🙂 Enjoy!
The is THE best spaghetti sauce, hands down. I make mine w ground beef to make it a meat sauce but soooooo delicious. I could eat is all by itself! Never will buy store bought sauce again.
Thank you so much, Janel. It’s so much more budget friendly too.
This is a great recipe & so easy. I’ve used crushed & whole tomatoes. Both work great! I usually add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Chianti for a bit more flavor. And sometimes will sub the white granulated sugar with brown sugar. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.
I’m so glad you love it, Sheri! I really appreciate the 5 star rating.
Can you substitute the crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes? Couldnt find crushed.
Yes but it will be a chunkier consistency. You could always use an immersion blender to pulse a few times and thin it out, if you’d like.
The BEST marianara sauce ever. Quick and easy to make. I highly recommend this if you like a thick, tomato sauce.
Thanks so much, Debbie! I appreciate the 5 star rating. So glad you love it.
This was my first effort and I cannot believe how much fun it was to make and it tastes wonderful!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Am I able to can this?
I’m not familiar with the canning process so I’m not comfortable giving a recommendation. Sorry
Will this marinara recipe make enough for your ultimate meat lasagna recipe or should I double it?
This recipes makes about 4 cups of sauce so I would double it.
Will one portion of the Quick and easy Marinara sauce be sufficient for the Ultimate Meat Lasagna? or do I need to make 2 portions?
I do two, the lasagna is a beast!
made this for the “best chicken parmesan” recipe …. both were excellent. Will make again
So glad you enjoyed them both, Alana!
Hey! Do you use ground beef juice for your sauce when making your baked Spaghetti?!?
No, I drain my ground beef.
Just marinara sauce is amazing! It is now my go-to sauce. I make it in big patches and can it. My husband refuses to eat anything else now!
I’m so glad you enjoy it! So much better than store bought too!
It’s on the stove right now and it smells soooo good! I’m going to serve it with noodles and turkey meatballs! Can’t wait to take a bite!
Sounds like a great dinner! Hope you enjoyed it!
Looks so good!’ I want to make a batch and freeze a batch. Does it freeze well? If thawed in fridge overnight, what would you recommend for heating temp and time? Thanks!
Yes, it freezes great! I put it in ziplock bags and lay it flat to freeze. Then to reheat I drop it on the floor or tap it against the counter to shatter, add it to a small glass bowl and cover with a wet paper towel and microwave to 2-3 minutes on half power. If you want to thaw in the fridge over night, I would put reheat it on the stove over a low heat.
How many cups does this recipe yield ? thank you
About four.
I have a question, approximately how much sauce does this recipe make? I’m making the million dollar spaghetti for a church dinner, I need to have some idea of the quantity to get the right amount of groceries.
Sorry this comment took so long to get to, it ended up in my spam filter somehow! I’m sure the meal is long gone since it was for your church dinner, but it makes approximately 4 cups of sauce.
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am so glad that I found this recipe. I made One batch a week ago and everyone loves it. Now I’m making it second time.
I’d call that a winner! Thanks for the 5 stars, Iris.
Made this tonight to use on baked ziti and was very good and SO easy. I skipped the chicken stock, sugar, and salt. I will definitely make this again. Im sure it would be great for anything like pizza, lasagna, or spaghetti. I forgot the parsley, but it would have only made it better.
What was it that made you rate it 4 stars? What would you have changed to make it 5? Seems a tad unfair considering on 6/12 ingredient were used. I seriously cracked up reading thi, silly.
Just amazing and simple! Great for a busy weeknight or company too! Thanks!
This marinara sauce is calling my name !
Well go ahead and make it! Enjoy!
This looks delcious! I’m guilty of using the jar….I’ll have to give this a go!
I’m glad I could give you an easy recipe to make it on your own!
I love all the DIY recipes. So much better than store bought and this looks divine!
Thanks!
This recipe absolutely keeper! pinned it.
Thank you!
Easy sauces like this are the best! Loving the dash of sugar you added, too 😀
Thanks, Chrisy!
I was teary over Kobe, too!!! This recipe looks lovely! I am all about a simple sauce!
It was a perfect finale! But let’s not get distracted from what’s important – cooking! 🙂
I love homemade sauces and I am big on spaghetti sauce! However, sometimes a recipe just needs some marinara sauce and this looks so good!
Thanks, Kacey!
This sauce looks absolutely perfect and you know I’m a sucker for easy recipes 🙂 Can’t wait to give it a try!
I hope you enjoy it!
San Marzanos are the best! Once you have those everything else tastes sub-par! I even ordered mine from the internet and they were cheaper with the shipping! That way I always have some! Marinara sauce is so great to have around because you can use it for pizza, spaghetti, or sauce bases! Can’t wait to try this one!
Thanks for the tip, Jennifer!
Yes, San Marzano tomatoes are wonderful, but if you want the ‘very best’ San Marzano tomatoes, the “Cento” brand is the one to go for. You can’t buy it in the supermarket….you can only purchase it online. If you want to use the best tomatoes in your sauces (Sunday Gravy), check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Great sauces. Thank you Sabrina.
Thanks!