Ingredients
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Add the canned whole tomatoes with their juices to a large bowl and crush them by hand to break them up into smaller pieces.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well to combine. Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low or low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Basil and Season: Stir in fresh chopped basil, then taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned whole tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are recommended if available.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit if you want a milder sauce.
- Simmering time can be extended slightly for a thicker sauce if desired.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
