Marinara Sauce with or Without Meat

Transform your homemade Italian cooking with this rich and versatile Marinara Sauce with or without Meat! Bursting with the robust flavors of garlic, onion, and oregano, this customizable sauce comes together with a base of vibrant crushed tomatoes and a dash of sugar to balance the acidity. Whether you choose to keep it purely vegetarian or add hearty ground beef, pork, or turkey, this recipe is perfect for pairing with pasta, using as a pizza sauce, or even as a savory dip. The optional kick of red pepper flakes adds a delightful heat, while fresh parsley makes for a simple yet elegant garnish. With just 10 minutes of prep and a simmering cook time that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this marinara sauce is a meal prep essential that’s freezer-friendly for busy weeknights.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 units garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 pounds ground meat (optional: beef, pork, or turkey)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

If adding meat, push the onion and garlic to one side of the pan and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, and (optional) red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sauce simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Step 9

Serve over pasta, use as a topping for pizza, 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	(1219.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1130.1

Total Fat 75.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 158.8mg	0%
Sodium 2373.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 42.8g
Protein 52.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 243.2mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 2895.8mg	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: 57.7%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 24.6%