Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe | Classic Italian-Style Sauce with Garlic & Herbs

Introduction to Homemade Tomato Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce is a cornerstone of great cooking—simple, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by standout recipes from Allrecipes, The Cooking Foodie, and Simply Delicious, this sauce celebrates the pure flavor of ripe tomatoes and a few humble ingredients. It’s the kind of kitchen essential that elevates everything it touches, from pasta and pizza to soups, stews, and casseroles.

Making your own tomato sauce means you control the flavor, texture, and ingredients—no preservatives, no excess sugar, just honest goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for a big batch to freeze or can, this sauce delivers rich, balanced flavor with minimal effort. It’s a timeless recipe that adapts to your taste and your pantry, and once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade tomato sauce is a game-changer for any home cook. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. The slow simmering process brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes while allowing the garlic and herbs to infuse every spoonful.

What makes this recipe truly special is its flexibility. You can tailor it to suit Italian classics, spicy dishes, or creamy sauces. It’s perfect for batch cooking—make a big pot, freeze portions, and enjoy homemade flavor anytime. It also works beautifully for canning, giving you a pantry staple that’s ready when you are.

Tip: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma, San Marzano, or vine-ripened varieties offer the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what goes into a classic homemade tomato sauce:

Core Ingredients:

• Fresh tomatoes – Roma, San Marzano, or vine-ripened for best flavor and texture
• Olive oil – adds richness and helps sauté aromatics
• Garlic – essential for depth and aroma
• Onion – builds savory sweetness
• Salt – enhances all the flavors
• Sugar (optional) – balances acidity if needed
• Fresh basil or oregano – adds herbal brightness

Optional Add-ins:

• Tomato paste – deepens the tomato flavor
• Red pepper flakes – for a spicy kick
• Bay leaf – adds subtle complexity
• Carrot – naturally sweetens the sauce without added sugar

Tip: Peel tomatoes for a smoother texture. Blanching makes this easy—just score the skins, boil briefly, then transfer to ice water and slip off the skins.

How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce

Follow these steps for a flavorful, homemade tomato sauce:

1. Blanch and peel tomatoes: Score the bottoms of each tomato with an “X.” Boil for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel skins and chop.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in 3–4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Add chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir in 1 tsp salt, a pinch of sugar (if needed), and fresh basil or oregano. Optional: add tomato paste, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, or grated carrot.
4. Simmer uncovered: Let the sauce cook on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will reduce and thicken, concentrating the flavors.
5. Blend or leave chunky: For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender once cooled slightly. For a rustic texture, leave it chunky.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, herbs, or sugar as needed.
7. Cool and store: Let sauce cool completely before storing in jars or containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tip: Simmer longer for a richer, thicker sauce—perfect for hearty pasta dishes.

Variations & Flavor Twists

Homemade tomato sauce is endlessly adaptable. Try these delicious variations:

Italian-Style:

Add fresh basil, oregano, and a Parmesan rind during simmering. The rind melts slowly, adding savory depth and creaminess.

Spicy Arrabbiata:

Sauté extra garlic and red pepper flakes for a bold, fiery kick. Perfect for penne or pizza with heat.

Roasted Tomato Sauce:

Roast halved tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs at 400°F for 30–40 minutes. Blend and simmer for a smoky, caramelized flavor.

Vodka Sauce:

Stir in ¼ cup vodka and ½ cup heavy cream after simmering. Cook for 10 more minutes for a silky, indulgent finish.

Tip: When fresh tomatoes aren’t available, use high-quality canned whole or crushed tomatoes. San Marzano canned tomatoes are a reliable choice for rich flavor and smooth texture.