Handwritten recipe card for Marinara Sauce
by: salvagedrecipes

Classic Homemade Italian Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce
This classic marinara sauce captures the heart of Italian-American home cooking. It's made with simple ingredients, onions, green peppers, garlic, and fresh tomatoes, simmered with herbs until richly flavorful. Originally a practical way to preserve a tomato harvest, this version is ideal for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other tomato-based dishes. Its versatility and straightforward preparation have made it a staple in countless kitchens. It stores beautifully and can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course sauces
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups onions (sliced )
  • 2 cups green peppers (diced )
  • ⅔ cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 quarts tomatoes (finely chopped, peeled, about 12 cups)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried basil

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté Base

  • In a large kettle, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions and diced green peppers.
  • Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add chopped, peeled tomatoes and salt.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

  • Add dried rosemary, thyme, and basil.
  • Simmer uncovered over low heat for 3 hours
  • (or until thickened), stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Store or Serve

  • Use immediately or let cool and transfer to airtight containers.
  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips

  • Simmer longer for a thicker, more concentrated sauce
  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter flavor
  • Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are very acidic
  • Blend smooth with an immersion blender if desired
  • Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat
  • Finish with fresh basil before serving
  • Use as a base for pizza or baked pasta
  • Freeze in 1–2 cup portions for easy meals
  • Add mushrooms or olives for variation

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8.5gSodium: 290mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword classic, freezer friendly, from scratch, homemade sauce, pantry staple, tomato sauce, vintage
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