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
1Tablespoonolive oil
½cupgrated sweet onion
4garlic cloves, sliced
2(28 ounce)can crushed tomatoes
1cupfresh basil
¾teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1teaspoonlemon juice
1Tablespoon unsalted butter
½teaspoonred 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.