Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

My jazzed-up take on Macella Hazan’s famous tomato butter sauce! Simple ingredients, rich taste, easy cooking!

Confession time: Making homemade tomato sauce is pretty easy. Had you told me that a few years ago, I would have seriously doubted this, but it’s true. As a reformed store-bought sauce enthusiast, I can now admit I was terribly misinformed. This recipe is best when given several hours to simmer, but it’s not one you have to babysit. So turn on some Sinatra and have fun!

Ingredients Needed

Get ready for the easiest grocery run ever!

4-5 28 oz cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes - I recommend Cento or Bella Terra, or any other product that is grown and imported from Italy. Always check the back of the can to make sure it says grown in Italy, a product of Italy, made in Italy, etc. Several other brands claim to be authentic Italian that aren’t.
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons olive oil - Good quality olive oil with rich color and taste.
4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed. I prefer using garlic press to save time.
1 yellow onion, diced
3 tablespoons Cento double-concentrated tomato paste or sun-dried tomato paste - It comes in a yellow box usually on the top shelf.
Spice Mix: 1 tsp. dried basil, 1 tsp. dried parsley, 1 tsp. dried oregano, ½ tsp. dried thyme, ½ tsp. celery salt, ½ tsp. red pepper flakes, 2 bay leaves, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt & black pepper to taste

Optional ingredients: carrots, ground beef, and garlic salt. Fresh herbs – basil, thyme, and oregano. Parmesan cheese.

Important notes: Good quality ingredients are a must!! Especially the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and olive oil. To make this sauce exactly how I made it, include all ingredients, spices, and all optional ingredients.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large stainless steel pot over low-medium heat. Add onions and sauté 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Add butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and simmer: pour canned tomatoes with juices in with the garlic and onions. Combine all the ingredients from the spice mix (except for fresh basil, fresh oregano, and fresh thyme ) and stir them into the sauce.
Add 6 baby carrots. (Adds natural sweetness to sauce. Will be removed and discarded when ready to serve.
Mix ingredients together, partially cover with lid – but not completely, and simmer on LOW heat for 3+ hours. Stir every so often to avoid burning. Note: if using a parmesan rind, add it in this step and let it simmer with sauce until finished. Remove and discard rind when ready to serve. Remove and discard carrots when ready to serve.
If using ground beef: Add ground beef to separate skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook through. Drain well and add to tomato sauce.
Add herbs: when sauce is finished, mix in chopped fresh herbs. Season with additional salt, black pepper, and garlic salt if desired, and serve! Finish with grated parmesan cheese.