Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce with Canned Tomatoes
A simple homemade marinara sauce made with canned tomatoes, pantry staples, and one small ingredient that deepens the flavor. It simmers into a rich, balanced sauce that works for multiple meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1-2 teaspoon anchovy paste (trust me here)
- 1 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley chopped (plus more for finishing)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to turn golden.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the onions for a couple of minutes. This step makes a difference—it deepens the flavor and takes away that raw tomato taste.
- Add the garlic and anchovy paste. Stir it around for about a minute until everything smells good and blended. The anchovy melts right in—you won’t taste it, but it gives the sauce a richer, more balanced flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring it up to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook partially covered for about 15–20 minutes.
- Once it’s done, stir in the fresh herbs and taste. Adjust salt if needed.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Approximate per serving — based on 4–6 servings, about ½ cup each
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 360mg |