This Hearty Marinara Sauce recipe is simple, full of flavor, and only takes 30 minutes and 6 ingredients to make!
Marinara sauce is a staple, and although on a busy weeknight it is nice to have pre-made sauce in a jar, there is nothing that beats this homemade hearty marinara sauce. It is simple ingredients melding together in a pan to create a sauce you can use for almost anything!
I love serving this traditional marinara sauce alongside my Cheesy Zucchini Tots and Pesto Chicken Crescent Ring!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
Crushed Tomatoes – I like using canned tomatoes for this recipe because it is already measured out and crushed and the flavor and texture are still intact.
Garlic – Fresh garlic is a classic ingredient in Italian cooking.
Fresh Basil – A classic Italian herb that adds in a bold flavor into the dish.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts see the recipe card below.
How to Make Hearty Marinara Sauce
Step 1: In a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, heat the extra virgin olive oil.
Step 2: Add in the garlic and sauté until golden but be sure to not burn it.
Step 3: Next, add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and turn the heat to low.
Step 4: Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and add in the fresh basil.
Step 6: Finally, serve and enjoy!
Marinara Sauce vs Pizza Sauce
One question I see a lot is what is the difference between marinara sauce and pizza sauce? The overall tastes of these two sauces are very similar, however pizza sauce is thicker and more concentrated so it can stick to the pizza dough and not run off. Where marinara sauce is thinner with a looser consistency.
Recipe FAQs
If you want to thicken your marinara sauce you can simmer it uncovered to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. You can also add in some tomato paste as well to help thicken it up.
There are endless uses for this tomato sauce. Some of my recommendations would be to use it on lasagna, meatballs, over vegetables, or as a pasta sauce for your pasta dishes. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
If you are wanting to add in more flavor to this recipe I would recommend adding in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or other dried herbs you prefer. You can also add in some of a diced onion that you can saute into the saucepan.
Storage Information
You can store this Hearty Marinara Sauce in an airtight container in your fridge for 5-7 days. You can freeze this sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat until everything has warmed through. You can also reheat in your microwave until everything has warmed through.
Hearty Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Add in the garlic and sauté until golden but be sure to not burn it.
- Next, add in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and turn the heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and add in the fresh basil.
- Finally, serve and enjoy!