This easy homemade Tomato Sauce is one of those staple recipes I make again and again. It’s quick, simple, and versatile enough to use in almost any recipe that calls for red sauce. Even better? You can make it year-round with pantry ingredients.
We go through gallons of tomato sauce in our house. It’s the base for pizza night, stirred into pasta, spooned over chicken or fish, and even served as a dip for vegetables. When fresh farmers’ market tomatoes are in season, I love making sauce from scratch. But when they’re not available, this version made with organic canned tomatoes is my go-to. It’s fast, flavorful, and always dependable.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Pantry-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile: Use it for pasta, pizza, casseroles, meatballs, dipping sauces, and more.
- Year-Round Staple: No need to wait for tomato season — this sauce works any time of year.
The Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps build flavor from the start.
- Onion: Creates a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Essential for classic Italian flavor.
- Italian Herbs: A simple blend that brings everything together.
- Tomato Sauce: I prefer organic canned tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Sugar, Honey, or Agave: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
How to Make Tomato Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and salt and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. - Add Garlic and Herbs:
Stir in the garlic and Italian herbs and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. - Simmer:
Add the tomato sauce and sweetener of choice. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, or until slightly thickened and the flavors have melded together.
Serve immediately or store for later!
Tomato Sauce
This simple homemade Tomato Sauce is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s incredibly fast, uses basic pantry ingredients, and works beautifully in almost any recipe that calls for red sauce. The best part? You can make it year-round — no fresh tomatoes required.
Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on homemade pizza, spooning it over chicken, or using it as a dip, this sauce delivers classic flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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 1/2 onion, diced
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 clove garlic, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs
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15 oz can tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar, honey, or agave nectar
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and salt and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. - Add Garlic and Herbs:
Stir in the garlic and Italian herbs. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. - Simmer the Sauce:
Add the tomato sauce and sweetener of choice. Cook for 5–10 minutes, or until slightly thickened and the flavors have blended together. -
Serve warm or store for later use.
