Best Homemade Tomato Sauce

close up shot of Homemade Tomato Sauce in a jars

5 from 15 votes

Enjoy homemade tomato sauce any time of year with this simple recipe that simmers tasty tomatoes with seasonings and cheese to create a flavorful sauce.

Prep Time5

Cook Time3

Total Time3 5

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe, How to Make Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 214kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
3 to 4 cans crushed tomatoes (28-ounces), OR 12 to 15 fresh tomatoes
1½ teaspoons black pepper
4 to 6 tablespoons fresh basil , OR 1 to 2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon sugar, optional
⅓ cup grated parmesan, or Romano cheese

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart or larger pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped or minced garlic and heat for one to two minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add the tomatoes, black pepper, basil, and sugar. Stirring often, bring the ingredients to a low boil.
Reduce the heat to low heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring often.
For the first half of simmer time, leave the pot uncovered and cover for the last half.
Stir in the cheese and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or so.

Video

Notes

If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you will need to remove the skins. A simple method is to score the skins with a sharp knife, boil the whole tomatoes for about one minute, and then plunge them into cold water. You will want to do this in batches. Once the tomatoes have cooled, the skins should peel off easily. Chop and blend in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.
Canning: Fill quart or pint mason jars with the spaghetti sauce. Wipe down the top of the jar before putting on the lid and ring. Slowly lower the jars into a hot water canning bath and allow them to boil for 40 minutes. Using jar lifters, carefully raise the jars out of the bath and allow them to cool on the counter overnight. As the lids seal, you will hear a slight popping sound. Store for up to one year.

Nutrition