A good Marinara Sauce Recipe is one of the basics of Italian cuisine and a lifesaver you’ll always want to have on hand.
Italian food is synonymous with good marinara sauce. It makes for a fantastic and delicious pizza or pasta sauce, but also goes on meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana. I’m sure there are other Italian dishes that use marinara sauce, but those are the ones that come to mind first for me! Using a store-bought marinara sauce can work, but making your own ensures that it is as delicious as possible because it’s fresh.
The most amazing marinara sauce I ever had was on vacation with my spouse to Italy. We went with a tour group to Mount Vesuvius, and, on the slopes of the volcano, we stopped at a small pizzeria where everything was made fresh. The marinara was made with tomatoes grown in that volcanic soil, and it was the most mind-blowing food experience I’ve ever had in my life. Now, I wouldn’t be so bold as to claim that this marinara is as good as that one made from volcanic soil-grown Italian tomatoes was, but it’s a lot closer than anything else I’ve had so far! All this to essentially say, your marinara matters a lot to the quality of your dish. So having a good recipe on hand is essential.
What’s amazing about this marinara recipe is that it’s simple, easy, and quick. It’s a basic staple, so it doesn’t require a whole lot of ingredients. The flavors of onion, garlic, oregano, and basil enrich your marinara with a classic Italian flavor that’s hard to beat. You can save it in a jar or use it immediately.
Quality Is Key
As with any recipe, the key to quality results is quality ingredients. Use fresh cloves of garlic instead of pre-chopped ones from a jar. Italians love their olive oil, and in a simple recipe such as this one, you should give preference to an Italian variety with bright peppery notes. When it comes to the tomatoes, I personally always opt for authentic Italian brands, although when San Marzanos are in season, I’ll use those instead. Finally, don’t skip fresh basil in favor of dried. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that when your marinara sauce is finished cooking, it will be the tastiest it can be, enhancing the flavor of your pizzas, pastas, and other foods!
How To Make Ahead And Store
You can easily store your marinara sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re canning your marinara sauce, you can keep it in sealed mason jars in a regular pantry or cabinet for up to 1 year. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Marinara goes on almost anything Italian! Use this sauce with a homemade Pizza Crust and your cheese and toppings of choice to make a delicious pie, or mix it into your dishes like Manicotti Shells, Spaghetti And Meatballs, or Easy Ravioli Lasagna. You could even use it as a dip for Garlic Rolls! Â
Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients Â
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
InstructionsÂ
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve over pasta or use as desired.
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