Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your pasta dishes, pizzas, and sauces? Look no further than the humble tomato sauce! With its rich flavor profile and versatility, it’s no wonder why this classic condiment has been a staple in many cuisines around the world. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, having a repertoire of basic tomato sauce recipes up your sleeve can be a game-changer.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and easy-to-make tomato sauce recipes that are perfect for beginners. From classic Italian-inspired sauces to bold and spicy variations, these recipes will show you how to get creative with one of the most iconic ingredients in cooking: the humble tomato.
Classic Italian Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil
Classic Italian Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil Recipe
This simple yet flavorful tomato sauce is a staple of Italian cuisine, perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. With the addition of fresh basil, it’s elevated to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spicy Arrabbiata Tomato Sauce
This Italian-inspired sauce adds a spicy kick to your pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll be enjoying the bold flavors in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
This roasted garlic tomato sauce is a game-changer for pasta lovers, adding a depth of flavor and aroma to your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a rich and savory sauce that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and halved
– 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the tomato halves.
3. Drizzle the chopped garlic over the tomatoes, then drizzle with olive oil.
4. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and caramelized.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6. Blend the roasted mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Herbed Tomato Sauce with Oregano and Thyme
This flavorful sauce combines fresh tomatoes with the savory flavors of oregano and thyme, perfect for topping pasta, pizza, or using as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Caramelized Onions
This rich and flavorful tomato sauce is elevated by the deep sweetness of caramelized onions, making it perfect for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes or until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Stir in the caramelized onion mixture and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Tomato Sauce with Parmesan Cheese
Add a rich and tangy twist to your pasta dishes with this simple yet flavorful creamy tomato sauce recipe, featuring the nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Red Wine Reduction
This recipe combines the simplicity of homemade tomato sauce with the depth and complexity of red wine reduction, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Simple Marinara Tomato Sauce
This classic Italian sauce is a staple for any pasta dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a flavorful base to elevate your meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your pasta dishes or pizzas with this rich and flavorful tomato sauce, infused with the intense taste of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 28 oz (794g) can crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
This simple and flavorful sauce is perfect for topping pasta, pizza, or using as a dip. Fresh cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness and a pop of color to this classic tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful tomato sauce infused with the sweet and smoky taste of roasted red peppers. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a base for more complex sauces.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 2 roasted red bell peppers (see note)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, roasted red peppers, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Capers and Olives
This recipe adds a salty kick to traditional tomato sauce with the addition of capers and olives, perfect for pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, capers, and olives. Stir to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage
This hearty sauce combines the richness of ground beef and Italian sausage with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes, perfect for pasta dishes or as a dip. With minimal prep time and simple cooking instructions, this recipe is a staple for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 medium onions, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onions, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is well combined.
4. Stir in the fresh tomatoes (or crushed canned tomatoes) and red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms and Rosemary
A rich and flavorful tomato sauce infused with the earthy sweetness of mushrooms and the herbal notes of rosemary, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes), cored and chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or granulated garlic for added depth
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the chopped rosemary and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil
This recipe showcases the simplicity of combining fresh ingredients to create a delicious and flavorful sauce. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a taste of Italy in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
3. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
4. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato sauce.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Pancetta and Garlic
This classic Italian-inspired tomato sauce gets a boost of flavor from crispy pancetta and pungent garlic, perfect for topping pasta, pizza, or using as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the garlic and onion; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the pancetta to the saucepan and stir to combine.
6. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with Zucchini and Eggplant
This refreshing tomato sauce is a perfect way to use up summer’s bounty of zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes. It’s a simple yet flavorful base for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 medium eggplant, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced zucchini and eggplant. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce with a Hint of Chili Flakes
Add some heat to your pasta dishes with this simple yet flavorful tomato sauce infused with a hint of chili flakes. This recipe is perfect for those who like a little spice in their life.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup of red wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Are you looking for some inspiration in the kitchen? Look no further! This article features 18 basic tomato sauce recipes that are perfect for beginners. From classic Italian flavors to spicy twists and international inspirations, these sauces offer a world of flavor and versatility. Try your hand at making a simple marinara sauce or get adventurous with roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, there’s something on this list for everyone.
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