Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
This homemade marinara sauce is a family favorite and a recipe that I have been making for years. It's easy to make and the longer it simmers the more the flavors develop. This marinara sauce is a must-try recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated sweet onion
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot like a dutch oven, add the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic on medium-low. It's imperative that you do this on medium-low to help develop flavor without burning the onion and garlic.
- Stir in the tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using.) Give it a big stir. Bring the sauce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Give it a taste to see if it needs more salt and pepper. Sometimes I add more.
- Stir in the lemon juice and butter. Then, allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.
- Serve over pasta, with meatballs, etc. The marinara sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: The marinara can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Tomatoes: I use crushed tomatoes, though you can use tomato sauce too.
- Basil: If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute it with 1 and ½ teaspoons of dried basil.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!