This all-purpose tomato sauce recipe is perfect for pasta, on pizza, or as a base for other sauces and stews. Why spend money on store brands when you can throw this together using pantry staple ingredients?
Free time is in short supply these days. It always seems like there’s so much to do and little to no spare time for any of us. “I don’t have enough time for that,” is what most people says when they see my recipes.
I get it. Not everyone enjoys spending time in the kitchen like I do, and even if they want to, life gets in the way. Why make a tomato sauce from scratch when you can buy a perfectly good one from the store? Trust me, I understand.
I wish everyone had more time to stop, take a breath, and do little things like create from scratch. Not necessarily cook, just whatever brings joys.
So many people I talk to these days sound tired, drained, and uninspired. I often fall into this category as well. When did everything get so hectic? Is this why every year seems to go by faster?
Is this why 40 seems to be closing in on me at a freakishly quick rate?
Making tomato sauce from scratch isn’t going to keep me from aging, but any moment that forces me to slow down for a moment and simply… be… I’m going to take it.
This is what I call a kitchen staple recipe. It’s a good all-purpose sauce to use with pasta, on pizza, or as a base for other more elaborate sauces. There’s nothing fancy about it.
You can use dates instead of the sugar if you prefer to avoid processed sweeteners; they cook down nothing.
Looking for more sauce recipes?
Be sure to check out my teriyaki sauce, chocolate sauce, and sweet & tangy barbecue sauce. You might also enjoy this homemade cocktail sauce recipe from Leite’s Culinaria!
All-Purpose Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups yellow onion, finely chopped (approximately 2 small)
- 4-5 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (see notes)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (do not drain)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (1 tablespoon dried oregano may be substituted)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat (use just enough to coat the bottom of the pan). Add the onions, garlic and sugar, along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent, stirring periodically, then add the tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the strained tomatoes and oregano.
- Stir, then cover and simmer on low/medium-low for at least 45 minutes or up to 1 1/2 hours. The longer the sauce cooks, the better the flavor of the sauce will be.
- Remove from the heat, and add the oregano, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper if using. Taste and add additional seasoning if needed. If you want a smoother consistency, you can puree the sauce in a blender.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the sauce for 3-4 months.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Jennifer, love this post and the sauce! I agree! Slowing down, taking a breath, doing things that bring us joy . . I love this reminder. it is the little things I believe . . that keep us sane, thankful and real. Thanks for this!
Amanda|The Kitcheneer says
Homemade tomato sauce is ALWAYS a good idea. And it’s definitely worth putting in the extra few minutes to make it right and have it all week long!
Matt says
Nothing beats from scratch, this looks awesome!
naomi says
I can totally get behind a multi-functional sauce like this. Admittedly, I will reach for a good quality bottle of tomato sauce, but I LOVE your easy recipe!
Gina says
Coming from an Italian family where jarred sauce is almost sacrilegious, I can totally appreciate this recipe. It’s too easy to not make your own!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Looks nice and easy Jennifer. Perfect to have on hand for those busy days and nights!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
lately, life has been so hectic that i will trade anything to have a little bit of quiet time and do things i enjoy doing. leisurely cooking and baking is almost non existent. i will think of your pasta sauce, hopefully in future i can find time for it.
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
Brilliant! Sometimes the simplest dishes are the absolute best :)
Rachel says
Agreed, things just need to slow down. And that sauce needs to be on some pasta, on my plate. :)
Jelina Roy says
I just love homemade sauce, as I can add my favorite ingredients according to my need, although it takes some extra time, but I just love it and it’s worth the time.
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
Yes! Sometimes slowing down and doing something simple, but focused is EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED! PS. I’m super intrigued by the dates!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I agree that homemade is always the best and totally worth the time!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
Well I have 15 minutes for this recipe! It sounds great. And I love that you used dates!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
That sounds fabulous and I really like the addition of the dates!
michelle @ hummingbird high says
ugh, re: everything being hectic — i genuinely think it’s technology that’s making us all crazy. love the idea of an all-purpose sauce though!