Tomato Sauce for Chicago Style Pizza

Capture the heart of classic deep-dish pizza with this rich, flavorful Tomato Sauce for Chicago-Style Pizza. Made with authentic San Marzano tomatoes, this slow-simmered sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, enhanced by a medley of dried herbs, a hint of garlic, and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Caramelized tomato paste deepens the umami, while fresh parsley adds a bright, herby finish. Perfectly thickened to complement the buttery crust and gooey cheese layers of Chicago-style pizza, this homemade sauce brings a taste of the Windy City right to your kitchen. Ideal for pizza nights or a comforting dinner, this recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 28 oz Whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1 tsp Granulated sugar
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to caramelize slightly and enhance its flavor.

Step 5

Pour in the canned San Marzano tomatoes along with their juice. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently crush the whole tomatoes into smaller pieces.

Step 6

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Add 0.5 cup of water to the pan and stir. This will help thin the sauce slightly for simmering and prevent it from becoming too thick.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.

Step 9

Simmer the sauce for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Step 11

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Step 12

Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using it on your homemade Chicago-style pizza.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1114.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	499.7

Total Fat 30.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3385.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g	0%
Total Sugars 33.0g
Protein 10.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 243.0mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 1943.0mg	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: 50.2%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 42.0%