How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
Learn How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce with ease using this simple recipe! It’s healthy, flavorful, and free from preservatives—perfect for your favorite pasta, meat dishes, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. This easy sauce tastes so much better than anything store-bought! Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan + Freezer Friendly.
I absolutely love making Homemade Tomato Sauce when tomatoes are in season. It turns out so rich, jammy + packed with incredible flavor. It’s perfect with pasta, but also elevates stews, soups, pizzas, and meat dishes to a whole new level. When tomatoes are at their peak + I’ve got a bit of time, there’s nothing more satisfying than creating this mouthwatering sauce from scratch!
I absolutely love sharing more 'essential + basic recipes' and mastering a classic tomato sauce is one of those must-know recipes! I always keep a few jars in the freezer for those busy nights. Just whip up some gnocchi, ravioli, or classic spaghetti, pair it with garlic bread, and you’ve got a delicious weeknight meal in no time!
If you’re as obsessed with tomatoes as I am, you’ll want to check out my Easy Herb Tomato Salad, Herb-Roasted Tomatoes, Easy Classic Bruschetta, and Herbed Butter Tomato Pizza. They’re perfect for using up any leftover tomatoes, and I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!
Jump to:
- Why You Will LOVE Homemade Tomato Sauce
- Ingredients For Homemade Tomato Sauce
- How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce?
- How To Use Homemade Tomato Sauce?
- Canned Tomatoes vs Fresh Tomatoes
- What Type of Tomatoes Are Best For This Sauce?
- How Can I Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce?
- Homemade Tomato Sauce Q + A's
- More Homemade Sauces + Dressings
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
Why You Will LOVE Homemade Tomato Sauce
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that make any dish pop
- Rich + jammy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying
- Perfect for pasta, soups, stews + more
- Easy to make in big batches for future meals
- Simply delicious and better than store-bought options
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients!!
Ingredients For Homemade Tomato Sauce
Here are the ingredients you'll need for Homemade Tomato Sauce—it's super easy and can be made any time of the year! Use fresh tomatoes when they're in season, or opt for canned tomatoes when they're not!
SAUCE:
- Fresh ripe tomatoes. You can also use cans of peeled tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
- Yellow or white onion. Finely chopped.
- Tomato paste. Depending on the depth of tomato flavor + color desired.
- Seasonings. Sea salt, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, smoked paprika + a pinch of garlic powder.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SAUCE!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with Homemade Tomato Sauce—everything from whisks, blenders, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce?
Making homemade tomato sauce is super simple and satisfying! Just peel + chop your tomatoes, then heat some olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions until they’re fragrant, then toss in the tomatoes, tomato paste + seasonings.
Let it all simmer together for about 40-45 minutes, mashing the bigger tomato pieces with a spoon or potato masher as you go. If the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
How To Use Homemade Tomato Sauce?
Homemade tomato sauce is such a game-changer in the kitchen! It’s super versatile and can jazz up so many dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Pasta dishes --- Toss it with your favorite pasta for a classic spaghetti dinner or a rich lasagna.
- Pizza --- Spread it on pizza dough for a delicious homemade pizza base.
- Sandwiches --- Use it as a tangy spread in sandwiches or paninis.
- Meat dishes --- Pour it over meatballs or baked chicken for extra flavor.
- Stews + soups --- Add it to stews or soups for a rich, tomatoey base.
- Dip --- Mix it with cheese for a tasty pizza dip.
- Casseroles --- Layer it in casseroles for added depth and richness.
Feel free to get creative and use it in any dish where you want a boost of tomato flavor!
Canned Tomatoes vs Fresh Tomatoes
Both canned + fresh tomatoes have their perks when it comes to making sauce. Fresh tomatoes bring a bright, just-picked flavor, and they’re perfect when they’re in season. Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, are super convenient and often have a rich, deep flavor since they’re cooked down and preserved at their peak. Fresh is always the best if you can get it, but canned tomatoes are a great backup and still make a tasty sauce!
What Type of Tomatoes Are Best For This Sauce?
For the best homemade tomato sauce, Roma or plum tomatoes are your top pick. They have a thicker flesh and fewer seeds, which makes for a richer, less watery sauce. However, if you’ve got other types of tomatoes, don’t worry! You can use those too—just be prepared for a slightly different texture.
How Can I Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce?
If your sauce ends up a bit too thick, just stir in a splash of water or vegetable broth until it’s the texture you like. On the flip side, if it’s a little too runny, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up. Easy fix!
Homemade Tomato Sauce Q + A's
Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage---the sauce can be canned + preserved for up to 1 year or frozen for up to 3-4 months. When freezing, be sure to let the sauce cool completely before adding portions to freezer-safe bags.
Yes, feel free to tweak the seasoning to your taste. Add more herbs, spices, or salt as you like!
Yes, you can! Just combine all your ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. It’ll develop a rich, deep flavor.
Yes, you can can this sauce if you follow proper canning procedures to ensure safety. Be sure to follow a trusted canning guide for the best results.
Reheat your sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, but make sure to stir it frequently to heat it evenly.
More Homemade Sauces + Dressings
Check out these mouthwatering sauce/dressing recipes that your whole family will love, especially after trying the delicious Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe!
- Creamy Avocado Pesto Mayo Sauce
- The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Dip
- Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
- Spicy Restaurant Style Salsa
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Chipotle Dressing
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
SAUCE:
- 4 lbs. fresh ripe tomatoes (You can also use two 28oz. cans of peeled tomatoes; You can also roast the tomatoes for more flavor by following my Herb roasted tomatoes recipe!)
- 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow or white onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 Tbsps tomato paste, organic (Depending on depth of tomato flavor + color desired)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
PREP THE TOMATOES:
- Begin by peeling + roughly chopping the tomatoes.
TO MAKE THE TOMATO SAUCE:
- In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil until heated. Add in the chopped onions and sauté frequently about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes (or roasted tomatoes), tomato paste, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and garlic powder, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil before reducing the heat to low and allowing everything to simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Let everything simmer (uncovered) for about 40-45 minutes, mashing the larger pieces of tomatoes using a wooden spoon when stirring occasionally. Once desired consistency and thickness has been met, remove from heat and add salt to taste. NOTE: If the sauce becomes too thick---feel free to add ¼ cup of water or stock to help thin out sauce.
- Enjoy with your favorite pasta, meat dish, sandwich, etc.
Tips & Tricks
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!