Simple Marinara Tomato Sauce Recipe

Name: Simple Marinara Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 stalk celery & leaves, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped; 32 ounces crushed tomatoes (or 2 cans); 2 dried bay leaves; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; sea salt, to taste; fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Servings: persons

1
In a large casserole pot or skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, or about 5 to 10 minutes.
3
Add the celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper, I usually go with a large pinch of salt and a whole lot of pepper because I love black pepper, but it is up to your tastes.
4
Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for one hour or until thick.
5
Remove the bay leaves and check for seasoning.
6
If the sauce still tastes acidic, add the unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
7
Add 1/2 of the tomato sauce to the food processor and process until smooth.
8
Continue with the remaining 1/2 of the tomato sauce.
9
Enjoy!
10
If not using up all of the sauce at once, allow it to cool completely and then freeze in freezer bags.
11
This can be kept frozen for up to 6 months.

426

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 small onion, chopped, 2 garlic cloves, chopped, 1 stalk celery & leaves, chopped, and more.

Yes, Simple Marinara Tomato Sauce falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Simple Marinara Tomato Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions