Marinara Sauce
Try this Marinara Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Marinara Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp. italian seasoning
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes (for a chunkier sauce use diced tomatoes- or fresh if in season!)
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (can substitute with coconu
- 1 tsp. salt coarse
- 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
- 1 tbsp. fresh parsley chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried parsley)
- 1 tbsp. fresh oregano chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano)
- 1 tbsp. fresh basil chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 bay leaf (optional if you want a milder taste)
- 1 tbsp sugar (*exclude for whole30 compliance)
- *optional: parmesan cheese to grate on each person
- * to make this sauce into a meat marinara sauce you'll also need the following:
- 1- 8 oz. can crushed tomatoes (set aside for the end)
- 1/2 lb. lean grass-fed beef
- 1/2 lb. lean turkey sausage (i like tennesee pride uncooke
- *optional: 1/8 cup dry red wine
- Carbohydrate 30.314177 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.647575 g
- Fiber 6.29633510311842 g
- Protein 3.905065 g
- Saturated Fat 0.2077791 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (748g)
- Sodium 596.1702 mg
- Sugar 24.0178418968816 g
- Trans Fat 0.1472574 g
- Calories 132 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, heat the oil (olive, coconut or avocado) over medium heat.
- Add the onion and saute appx. 5 minutes, stirring very frequently, until onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic and saute for another 3-5 minutes. The onions should be carmelized and sweetened at this point.
- Then add the can of tomatoes, parsley, oregano, basil and bay leaf.
- Simmer, covered, on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Once sauce has cooked, remove the bay leaf.
- Then stir in the sugar (skip this step for Whole30 compliance).
- Taste the sauce and add more spices as needed. I usually throw in more fresh basil after the sauce has cooked.
- *(For a spicier sauce you can increase the black pepper, or for a real kick add red pepper flakes... but beware it only takes a few red pepper flakes to make it hot!!)
- In another large skillet, saute onion until translucent.
- Add the beef and turkey sausage.
- Once meat is browned, add minced garlic cloves and cook a few more minutes.
- Add the seasonings/spices and cook until meat is fully cooked.
- Scrape meat mixture into the Marinara Sauce.
- Deglaze meat pan by adding a little bit (~1/4 Cup) water to the pan, lifting up the juices and flavors cooked into the pan.
- Pour this mixture into the marinara sauce.
- Add the 8oz. can of tomato sauce.
- Taste it! Add more salt, pepper, seasoning if needed.
- *optional: Add ½ cup. dark red wine for a richer taste. Sometimes I taste my sauce and feel it needs this, other times i think it's just right with out it! Your preference!
My Simple, Yet Flavorful Marinara Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a challenge. That's why I've perfected this simple marinara sauce recipe – it's quick, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. It's become a staple in our home, transforming weeknight dinners from mundane to memorable. This recipe is my go-to for pasta nights, pizza topping, or even as a base for hearty meat sauces. The beauty lies in its simplicity; a few fresh ingredients and a little patience create a sauce bursting with flavor.
The core of the sauce is built around fresh, high-quality ingredients. I always use good quality crushed tomatoes – the better the quality, the better the taste. I’ve experimented with different types of tomatoes, and I always recommend using crushed tomatoes for the best consistency for this recipe. However, if you are feeling fancy, feel free to experiment with using fresh, seasonal tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of extra oregano, a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat – it's all about personal preference. The key is to let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The longer it simmers, the richer and more complex the flavor profile will be.
One of the things I love about this recipe is its adaptability. It's perfectly delicious on its own, but it can easily be transformed into a hearty meat sauce by adding ground beef, Italian sausage, or even some leftover roasted vegetables. I often add ground turkey for a leaner option, and it still works fantastically. I prefer using grass-fed beef for a richer, more flavorful experience, but you can definitely use any type of ground beef or sausage you have on hand. The addition of the meat significantly elevates the depth of flavor, adding a savory element that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly. The slight addition of red wine, at the end, adds a layer of complexity and richness that takes this sauce to the next level. It's not strictly necessary, but it does contribute to a more robust overall taste profile.
Beyond pasta, this sauce is incredibly versatile. I use it as a pizza sauce base, topping for my homemade pizza. It’s also great for lasagna, stuffed peppers, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. The possibilities are endless, allowing it to fit into numerous meal options throughout the week. The sauce also freezes beautifully, so I often make a large batch and freeze portions for later use. This not only saves me time on busy weeknights, but also ensures I always have a delicious, homemade sauce on hand.
Making it your own:
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to personalize recipes to your own taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature marinara sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can easily omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. The same can be achieved using vegetable broth or stock instead of red wine. I highly recommend trying different combinations to find your own perfect balance. Let your creativity flow!
Serving Suggestions:
Pasta: This is the classic pairing! Serve your marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
Pizza: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over your pizza dough before adding toppings for a delicious homemade pizza.
Lasagna: Use it as the base for a comforting and flavorful lasagna.
Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and your homemade marinara sauce for a hearty and healthy meal.
Meatballs: Combine your marinara sauce with homemade meatballs for a classic Italian-American dish.
Chicken Parmigiana: Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese makes a delicious and satisfying meal.
Sub Sandwiches: Layer your marinara sauce on a sub sandwich with your choice of meats and cheeses.
No matter how you choose to use it, my simple marinara sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
