Homemade Marinara Sauce

No need to be intimated to make homemade marinara sauce with this super easy and delicious recipe! Bursting with flavor, this will be a family staple!

Homemade marinara sauce feels like it would be difficult to make at home, and with it being so cheap at the store, you wonder if it's a good value. This homemade recipe is easy, quick (done in less than 30 minutes), affordable, and tastes better than any store bought jarred version! Try this out now, because you will never go back to using pre-made marinara again!

Making this homemade marinara is EASY and doesn't take many ingredients! First, get everything together. I know some people are picky with tomatoes, but honestly I have tried it with so many different versions and it comes out delicious regardless of what brand you're using.

I love serving it with Air Fryer Meatballs, Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli, Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks in Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, Baked Mostaccioli, or with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan or Eggplant Parmesan.

This recipe is a large quantity (yields about 9 cups), but you can cut it in half. I like to make a lot so I can use it throughout the week because it does keep well in the fridge an also freezes well (see below for freezing directions).

How to make Homemade Marinara:

**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**

• Get all the ingredients together: canned crushed tomatoes, water, oil, garlic, seasonings, and fresh basil.
• In a large soup pot, add oil and garlic and saute over medium heat until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the tomatoes, water, and seasonings to the pot, increase the heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir the sauce here and there while simmering
• Use with your favorite Italian dishes such as Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, The Best Ever Lasagna, or Air Fryer Ravioli.

Can I freeze marinara sauce?

• Absolutely, YES! Decide how many cups serving you want to freeze (2-4 cups is usually good).
  • Add cooled marinara sauce to freezer safe bags or jars. Remove as much air as possible from the bags, seal, and label with the date. Marinara will stay good for 3-4 months in the freezer.
• Defrost: Remove marinara from the freezer and set in refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat: Add to pot and simmer to heat up, stirring to combine the liquids.
  • Can also be heated in a microwave safe container (cook at 30 second increments, stirring between adding time).

How to use Marinara in recipes:

So many meals use marinara sauce. From classic lasagna to eggplant parmesan! Here are some more unique ideas to use homemade marinara sauce:

• Use it to dip these delicious Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli.
• Dip a delicious Caprese Grilled Cheese into this marinara sauce
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect snack!
• Make these amazing Air Fryer Meatballs and top with the marinara!
• Use on these homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites as the base sauce.
• Instant Pot Stuffed Shells are great to utilize this sauce!

• This 20 minute cheesy vegetable pasta bake is a family favorite!
• Using marinara in this Cheesy Pizza Dip Bread Bowl is perfect for parties!
• Easy Baked Mostaccioli is a classic Italian dish that takes very little effort to make, but has a ton of flavor! This comforting dish is a dinner staple!
• Easy Meatball Sliders are an easy party appetizer or family dinner!
• Dip these Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks into this delicious homemade sauce!
• Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is an easy to make meal that has such amazing flavors! You will love it!

With so many recipes, there are tons of uses for this easy homemade marinara sauce! I even love just dipping warm fresh baguette slices into the sauce because the flavor is SO GOOD!