Easy Marinara Sauce: An Incredible Recipe!

Okay, friend, let’s talk about Marinara Sauce. I remember the first time I tried to make it. I was a brand new mom, sleep-deprived, and convinced I could whip up a gourmet meal between diaper changes. It was a rainy Tuesday, my baby was screaming, and the tomato sauce ended up splattered all over my kitchen. But you know what? Even with the chaos, that first batch of homemade Marinara Sauce was kind of amazing. Maybe it was the exhaustion talking, but there was something so satisfying about making something from scratch.

This Marinara Sauce recipe has become my weeknight sanity-saver, and I want it to become yours, too! It’s quick, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser, even with the pickiest eaters. We’re all in this kitchen-battle together, right? So, let’s ditch the jarred stuff and make some magic. Let’s get to it!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: You can grab this at Target while doing your regular grocery run. No worries if you don’t have olive oil, I use avocado oil all the time in my Marinara Sauce!
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: I buy the pre-minced stuff. Mama ain’t got time to peel garlic. Trust me, this Marinara Sauce ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: My family prefers crushed, but you can use diced if that’s what you have.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: This Marinara Sauce doesn’t have to break the bank – store brand works great!
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian flavor!
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Don’t skip this, it adds the flavor we crave for our Pasta sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick! My family loves when I add extra.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Because every family’s taste buds are different.
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Makes it look fancy, even when it’s not.

Here’s a Marinara Sauce trick that saved my sanity: Double or triple the batch and freeze it! It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I store leftovers of the Pasta sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. This is where I used to mess up my Marinara Sauce – don’t make my mistake! Make sure your pan is large enough to avoid splatters.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. The garlic should smell amazing by now! Don’t let it burn, or your Pasta sauce will taste bitter.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Then, stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
4. Bring the Marinara Sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. In my chaotic kitchen, this Marinara Sauce usually takes about 45 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste. This gives it time for all the flavors to meld together.
6. If the Marinara Sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Don’t panic if your Marinara Sauce looks a little watery at first; it will thicken as it simmers.
7. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Or, you know, hide in the pantry with a chocolate bar. I’m just saying.
8. Enjoy! While your Marinara Sauce is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

How We Love to Eat This!

My family’s favorite way to eat this Marinara Sauce is, of course, with pasta. Spaghetti, penne, rotini – you name it! The kids devour this Marinara Sauce when I serve it with garlic bread and a simple side salad. I love how it complements the pasta.

But this Marinara Sauce isn’t just for pasta! We also use it on pizza, in lasagna, as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, and even on grilled cheese sandwiches (don’t judge!). I serve the Italian sauce with spaghetti squash for a gluten-free option.

This Marinara Sauce is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. I make a double batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week in different ways.

For a fun twist, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the Marinara Sauce before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that’s just divine!

I always get compliments when I serve this Marinara Sauce to guests. They think I spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. Little do they know, it took me less than an hour! My friends enjoy the flavor that the Marinara Sauce has!

Here’s another trick: Blend leftover Marinara Sauce with some vegetable broth for a delicious tomato soup.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this Marinara Sauce Recipe? Absolutely! Start with a small amount and let them add more if they like. You can also sneak in some pureed vegetables for extra nutrients.
• What if I burn my Marinara Sauce? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Don’t panic! Immediately transfer the sauce to a clean pot. You might be able to salvage it by adding a little sugar and water.
• Can I make this Italian sauce ahead for meal prep? Yes! This Italian sauce is even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this Marinara Sauce? Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• What if I don’t have fresh basil? Dried basil works just fine! Use about 1 teaspoon.
• Can I add meat to this Marinara Sauce? Of course! Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the other ingredients.
• What kind of tomatoes should I use? I prefer crushed tomatoes, but you can use diced or whole tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, crush them with your hands before adding them to the pot.
• How can I make this homemade Marinara Sauce spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• My Marinara Sauce is too acidic. What can I do? Add a little more sugar or a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
• Is Marinara Sauce the same as tomato sauce? While both are Tomato sauce based, Marinara is typically a simpler sauce with fewer ingredients, cooked for a shorter time.

Final Thoughts:

This Marinara Sauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s a taste of home. My kids request it every single week, and it brings me so much joy to see them enjoying something I made with my own two hands.

My Marinara Sauce Mom Hacks:

• Freezer stash: Always have a batch of Marinara Sauce in the freezer for emergencies.
• Veggie boost: Sneak pureed veggies into the sauce for picky eaters.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a grown-up kick.

Here are a few family-tested variations of this Marinara Sauce:

• Spicy Marinara: Add extra red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne pepper. My husband loves this version!
• Creamy Marinara: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end. My daughter is obsessed with this one!
• Vegetarian Marinara: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. My son prefers this because of all of the veggies.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Marinara Sauce your own. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

I hope this Marinara Sauce brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Happy cooking, my friend! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce.

 

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