Diced Tomato Sauce

Elevate your homemade meals with this robust and versatile Diced Tomato Sauce, a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. This recipe combines pantry staples like canned or fresh diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and finely chopped onion, sautéed in silky olive oil to create a rich, comforting base. Infused with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, a touch of sugar for balance, and optional red chili flakes for a hint of heat, it’s simmered to perfection for a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Whether you prefer a chunky texture or a smooth finish, this sauce is easy to customize and pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, or any dish in need of a vibrant tomato boost. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s your go-to recipe for fresh, homemade tomato sauce that can be refrigerated or frozen for later. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep staples, this kitchen must-have is sure to become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes (including their juices) and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate the spices evenly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed (adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to achieve your desired balance).

Step 8

If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. If you like it chunky, leave it as is.

Step 9

Remove the sauce from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately over pasta, as a pizza topping, or use as a base for other dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(990.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	525.9

Total Fat 30.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2454.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 38.5g
Protein 11.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 174.1mg	0%
Iron 5.2mg	0%
Potassium 2138.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.9%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 44.0%