A thick and hearty marina sauce goes with so many dishes like, spaghetti, pizza and yummy meatballs. Try you hand at making this delicious tomato-based marinara sauce that doesn’t take a lot of time nor ingredients.
We love using a thick and hearty marinara sauce on top of pasta.
Simple Marinara Sauce – a Hearty Sauce made with Crushed Tomatoes
When you say “made from scratch” or “homemade cooking,” it brings up feelings of love and warmth. Nothing beats a home cooked meal that was fussed over for hours. Well, most of us don’t have time to fuss over dinner and some days it’s all we can do just to stop and think about what’s for dinner.
This simple homemade spaghetti with marinara sauce actually tastes like a sauce that was fussed over. If you have 15 minutes and just a few pantry items then you are well on your way to a delizioso dinner!
And did we mention simple? And did we mention SPAGHETTI?
Ingredients Needed for Hearty Marinara Sauce:
- Olive Oil – we use extra virgin
- Butter – salted butter
- Yellow Onion – chopped fine
- Cloves of fresh garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Fresh or Dried parsley
- Fresh or Dried basil
Your family will fall in love with this delicious homemade marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, cut in half
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, diced fine
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
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Gently saute garlic in butter and olive oil until garlic is soft. Do not burn the garlic.
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Add parsley and lightly salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil and salt.
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Add the 2 halves of the onion.
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Simmer sauce for 10 -12 minutes.
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Discard the onion and serve the sauce over your favorite pasta.
What to Do with This Hearty Sauce
There are so many delicious things you can do with this easy marinara sauce.
- Drop your homemade meatballs into this sauce and have spaghetti & meatballs for dinner.
- Add a touch of homemade marinara sauce to your sautéed vegetables. Don’t forget the fresh Parmesan cheese!
- Serve with crispy mozzarella sticks.
- Use as a delicious pizza sauce
- Use in your favorite lasagna dish
Delizioso Marinara!
You will also love our Basic Meatball Recipe to go with this Delicious Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce.
What Makes a Great Marinara Sauce?
A great marinara sauce is a simple yet flavorful tomato-based sauce that serves as a versatile and delicious base for many Italian dishes. Several key factors contribute to making a marinara sauce truly exceptional:
Quality ingredients – Start with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes when they’re in season or opt for good-quality canned tomatoes when fresh ones are not available. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, are particularly popular for making marinara sauce.
Fresh herbs and aromatics – The combination of fresh garlic, onions, and basil adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Chop the garlic and onions finely and sauté them gently in olive oil to release their flavors without burning them.
Simplicity – A great marinara sauce is simple and doesn’t overwhelm the palate with too many ingredients. The focus should be on the natural sweetness and tanginess of the tomatoes.
Balance of flavors – Achieve a well-balanced sauce by using the right amount of salt and a touch of sweetness to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes. A pinch of sugar or a splash of red wine can help achieve this balance.
Proper seasoning – Apart from salt and sugar, you can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Be cautious with the amount, so it doesn’t overpower the sauce.
Slow cooking – Allow the sauce to simmer slowly for an extended period, usually at least 30 minutes to an hour. This slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer and more flavorful sauce.
Olive oil – Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the garlic and onions. This adds a fruity and aromatic quality to the sauce.
Consistency – Marinara sauce should have a smooth and slightly thick consistency. However, this can be adjusted according to personal preference – some people prefer a chunkier sauce, while others like it smoother.
Avoid overcooking – While slow cooking is essential, be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can lead to a loss of freshness and vibrant flavors.
Customization – The beauty of marinara sauce is that you can customize it to your liking. Some people add a touch of oregano, carrots, or celery for extra complexity, but it’s essential to maintain the overall simplicity of the sauce.
Remember, the key to a great marinara sauce is to let the quality of the ingredients shine and to strike the right balance between sweetness, acidity, and richness. With practice and experimentation, you can find the perfect marinara recipe that suits your taste preferences!
Try Some of Our Favorite Family Recipes:
Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs
Buttered Spaghetti
Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Ragu Sauce
