Growing up, canned tomato sauce was a staple in our household. My mom could whip up the most delicious pasta dishes with just a few simple ingredients – a can of tomatoes, some garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs. It was always my go-to comfort food, and the smell of that savory sauce simmering on the stove would make my mouth water. To this day, whenever I open a can of tomatoes, I’m transported back to those cozy family dinners where we’d all gather around the table, laughing and sharing stories over a big bowl of spaghetti and mom’s famous canned tomato sauce recipe.
Why This Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
There’s just something so satisfying about a perfectly balanced, homemade canned tomato sauce. It’s the foundation for so many of our favorite Italian dishes, but let’s be honest – store-bought sauces just can’t compare to the depth of flavor you get when you make it from scratch. That’s why this canned tomato sauce recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s ridiculously easy, supremely delicious, and you can customize it to suit your tastes.
The Secret Behind Perfect canned tomato sauce recipe
The secret to this canned tomato sauce recipe is in the slow-simmering process. By letting the sauce gently simmer for 30-45 minutes, you allow all the flavors to meld together and develop that rich, velvety texture that can only come from homemade. But don’t worry, it’s still a super quick and simple recipe – the long simmer time is mostly hands-off, so you can tend to other tasks while the sauce works its magic.
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Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the secret to a delicious homemade canned tomato sauce that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals, elevating your pasta, pizza, and more with its rich, tantalizing flavors.
Ingredients
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. 3. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
4. 4. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. 5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency.
6. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter or heavy cream just before serving. You can also customize the sauce by adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Another key element is the blend of spices and aromatics. We’re talking garlic, onion, basil, oregano, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. These classic Italian flavors create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. And the best part? You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your personal preferences.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Canned crushed tomatoes – This is the base of our sauce, providing that classic tomato flavor.
Garlic – Minced or grated, garlic is essential for adding depth and warmth to the sauce.
Onion – Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and complexity.
Olive oil – For sautéing the aromatics and bringing everything together.
Dried basil – Fresh is great too, but dried basil works perfectly in this recipe.
Dried oregano – Earthy, slightly peppery oregano complements the other herbs.
Sugar – Just a touch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Salt and pepper – To season the sauce to perfection.
Step-by-Step canned tomato sauce recipe Instructions
Preparing Your canned tomato sauce recipe
This canned tomato sauce recipe is so simple to make, with just a few minutes of active prep time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish, with the majority of that being hands-off simmering time. All you’ll need is a large saucepan or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon, and your trusty can opener.
1- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir. Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
3- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors have melded together.
4- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You’re looking for a balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory notes.
5- If the sauce is a bit too thin for your liking, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to further reduce and thicken it up.
6- Serve your homemade canned tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for pizza, lasagna, or any other Italian-inspired dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to making the best canned tomato sauce is to let it simmer slowly. Resist the urge to rush the process – the longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and meld together.
Another pro tip is to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Everyone has slightly different preferences when it comes to the balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors in their tomato sauce. Start with the amounts suggested in the recipe, then tweak it to suit your tastes.
It’s also important to use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes. Look for brands that use only a few simple ingredients, without a lot of added sugars or preservatives. This will give you the best possible flavor foundation for your sauce.
And finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your canned tomato sauce recipe. Try adding a splash of red wine, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storing Your canned tomato sauce recipe
Perfect Pairings for canned tomato sauce recipe
This homemade canned tomato sauce is the ultimate versatile kitchen staple. It’s obviously delicious tossed with your favorite pasta, but it also makes a great base for pizza, lasagna, or even shakshuka.
For a classic Italian meal, serve the sauce over spaghetti or penne, with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. It also pairs beautifully with chicken or meatballs, adding tons of flavor to your dish.
And don’t forget the wine! A bold, fruity red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the rich, savory notes of the tomato sauce perfectly. Or go for a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the acidity.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this canned tomato sauce recipe is that it makes a big batch, so you can enjoy it all week long. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the sauce for longer-term storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
This canned tomato sauce recipe also makes a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the whole batch in advance, then simply reheat and serve when you need it. It’s the perfect thing to have on hand for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, homemade meal without a lot of fuss.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for canned tomato sauce recipe
Creative canned tomato sauce recipe Variations
The great thing about this canned tomato sauce recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your personal preferences or the dish you’re serving it with.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper. If you’re in the mood for something a little richer, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
You could also experiment with different herb combinations – try swapping the dried basil and oregano for fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of fennel seed. And for a seasonal twist, add in some sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative with your canned tomato sauce recipe!
Making canned tomato sauce recipe Diet-Friendly
This canned tomato sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. Just be sure to serve it over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
For a vegan version, simply omit the parmesan cheese garnish and use extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter. You can also stir in a bit of cashew cream or unsweetened almond milk to achieve a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
And for a low-carb or keto-friendly take, serve the sauce over roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to lower the overall carb count.
No matter your dietary needs or restrictions, this canned tomato sauce recipe can be easily adapted to fit your lifestyle. The key is to focus on high-quality, whole-food ingredients that will nourish your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If you have access to fresh, ripe tomatoes, you can absolutely use those instead of canned crushed tomatoes. Just blanch, peel, and crush the tomatoes yourself. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to allow the flavors to develop.
Q: How can I make this sauce thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker, heartier tomato sauce, there are a few tricks. First, let the sauce simmer for a bit longer, 45-60 minutes, to allow more of the liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to boost the thickness and richness. And don’t be afraid to experiment with a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This canned tomato sauce recipe actually gets better the longer the flavors have a chance to meld. You can make it up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This canned tomato sauce recipe makes approximately 4 cups of sauce. That’s enough to generously coat 1 lb of pasta or serve 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Q: What can I do if my sauce turns out too acidic?
A: If your canned tomato sauce ends up tasting a bit too acidic or sour, there are a few ways to balance the flavors. Start by adding a teaspoon or two of sugar, which will help mellow out the acidity. You can also stir in a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, which will lend a rich, creamy texture. And don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the other flavors.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of pasta smothered in a homemade canned tomato sauce, is there? This recipe is so easy to make, yet the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy. The slow-simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together into a thick, velvety sauce that’s bursting with classic Italian taste.
I hope you’ll give this canned tomato sauce recipe a try – it’s bound to become a new staple in your household. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your photos on social media. Buon appetito!