Basic Tomato Sauce So Versatile

This recipe is fresh, tangy, and has so many uses! One can of whole tomatoes, some onion, garlic, herbs, seasonings and it’s ready in no time! This is the perfect addition to all of your tomato-based recipes needing tomato sauce.

Why This Quick Tomato Sauce is a Favorite

A basic tomato sauce is so quick and easy to make at home with just a little simmering

This all-purpose sauce is so versatile! It can be the base for an Italian-style pasta sauce by adding extra basil, added to sloppy joe sauce, and even the base for a quick tomato soup simply by adding milk or cream!

This sauce freezes well so double or triple the batch!

Ingredients & Variations

TOMATOES A can of whole tomatoes, an onion, and some herbs and spices make this sauce fragrant and flavorful!

No canned tomatoes? No problem! Substitute a can of diced or crushed tomatoes (this will change the consistency somewhat).

The acidity of tomatoes can vary based on brand. If your tomato sauce is acidic, add 1/2 teasoon of sugar or 1/4 cup grated carrots

HERBS Switch up the flavors by adding other seasonings like ground oregano, a sprig of rosemary, or a bay leaf.

How to Make Tomato Sauce

This flavorful sauce will be ready in 1, 2, 3!

Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until both are fragrant.
Mash the tomatoes with your hands or a potato masher and add to the skillet along with the juices and add the basil.
Simmer everything together for 20 minutes on medium heat. Blend to desired consistency.

How to Thicken Tomato Sauce

Just like a chili recipe, the best way to thicken tomato sauce is to allow it to simmer. To thicken, be sure to keep the lid off as it simmers so the liquid can evaporate (I place a splatter screen on top to catch any mess). Not only does it thicken but simmering also makes the sauce more flavorful!

Smooth or Chunky

This sauce has both flavor and substance. Take the time to let the sauce simmer so the ingredients blend.

Once simmered, blend with a hand blender. You can leave this sauce a bit chunky or blend until completely smooth if you prefer.

Short on time? In a pinch you can thicken tomato sauce with a slurry by whisking a tablespoon of corn starch into 2 tablespoons of cold water (or tomato juice). Slowly pour into the simmering sauce until you reach desired thickness.

How Do I Freeze Tomato Sauce?

Homemade tomato sauce maintains its flavor in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure it is cool enough to freeze and simply ladle it into zippered quart or gallon-sized bags. Don’t forget to write the date on the outside of the bag!

Easy Pasta Sauces

Homemade Pasta Sauce – made from scratch
Easy Meat Sauce – 30-minute cook time
Homemade Bolognese Sauce – great on any type of pasta
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce – comfort food
Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce – deliciously easy

Did you make this Basic Tomato Sauce? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!