Mama's Marinara

Get ready to savor the rich, homemade flavors of Mama's Marinara—a timeless Italian classic that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Made with authentic San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a perfect balance of dried herbs like oregano and basil, this marinara sauce is slow-simmered to achieve its deep, robust flavor. A hint of sugar and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like heat) add subtle complexity, while fresh basil brings a burst of vibrancy to every bite. Ideal for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, this versatile recipe is easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge or freeze for later! For an authentic Italian experience, try Mama’s Marinara today and elevate your favorite dishes to the next level.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned whole San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups water or vegetable stock

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the canned San Marzano tomatoes, including the juices. Crush the tomatoes with a spoon or potato masher to break them into smaller pieces.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Add the water or vegetable stock to thin the sauce slightly, then stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh chopped basil right before serving for a burst of flavor.

Step 10

Serve warm over your favorite pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or enjoy as a dipping sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1222.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	657.5

Total Fat 44.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2888.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.2g	0%
Total Sugars 35.1g
Protein 12.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222.0mg	0%
Iron 8.4mg	0%
Potassium 2175.9mg	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: 57.2%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 35.8%