Name: Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2.5 pounds Roma Tomatoes (or San Marzano or vine-ripened tomatoes, about 9); 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or olive oil to coat the pan); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 to 3 cloves minced fresh garlic); 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or low-sodium tamari or soy sauce); 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar); 1 teaspoon date syrup (or maple syrup, or to taste); 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried herbs; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/3 cup soaked and drained cashews (for blending, optional); Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling, optional)

If you’ve ever wished for a simple, delicious sauce that elevates any pasta, pizza, or comfort dish, you’re about to fall in love with this Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s all about capturing the bright, fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes while layering in subtle hints of savory and sweet that come together in perfect harmony. This sauce is so fresh and adaptable, it’s like having a little jar of sunshine ready to brighten your meals anytime you want. Trust me, once you make your own from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden board sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several halved bright red tomatoes showing their juicy interiors with small seeds and soft flesh. On the left side of the board, there is a white knife with a colorful patterned handle, resting beside the tomatoes. The overall look is fresh and simple, highlighting the rich red color of the tomatoes against the natural wood and clean white marble background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Believe it or not, the magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a starring role — from juicy tomatoes that bring vibrant color and tang, to the savory depths of nutritional yeast and the subtle kick of herbs, creating a sauce that tastes like summer in every spoonful.

2.5 pounds Roma Tomatoes: These tomatoes offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making for a thick and flavorful sauce.
1/4 cup vegetable broth (or olive oil): This keeps the pan moist and infuses gentle richness without overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mellow, savory base note without the texture of actual onions.
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves minced fresh garlic): Gives the sauce that classic garlicky warmth that comforts the soul.
1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or low-sodium tamari or soy sauce): Boosts the umami factor, deepening the overall taste complexity.
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar): Balances sweetness and acidity while enhancing fruitiness.
1 teaspoon date syrup (or maple syrup): Just the right touch of natural sweetness to round things out.
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, nutty flavor and plenty of depth.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings fragrant, earthy notes you’ll adore.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional): For those who love a little gentle heat in their sauce.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Start by slicing your ripe Roma tomatoes in half and, if you want, remove the hard stem core to avoid any bitterness. This prep step ensures each piece cooks evenly and breaks down beautifully for that luscious sauce texture.

Step 2: Steam the Tomatoes

Arrange the tomato halves cut-side down in a large skillet, then add just enough vegetable broth or olive oil to lightly coat the pan’s bottom. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 25 minutes. This gentle steaming softens the tomatoes thoroughly while preserving their vibrant taste and bright red color. Be sure to check occasionally that the pan remains lightly moist.

Step 3: Remove the Skins

After steaming, the tomato skins will have loosened nicely. Use tongs to lift and discard them – they should slip away effortlessly, leaving only silky tomato flesh behind. This step is key for a smooth sauce without any tough bits.

Step 4: Mash the Tomatoes

Using a potato masher or a sturdy spoon, break down the softened tomatoes right in the skillet. This gives you control over the sauce’s texture, so you can keep it chunky or smooth depending on your preference.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now for the flavor magic. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, coconut aminos, balsamic vinegar, date syrup, nutritional yeast, dried herbs, crushed red pepper if using, and that all-important tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer the sauce uncovered for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give the sauce a careful taste and tweak the seasoning as needed with salt and freshly ground pepper. This is your moment to perfect the balance before serving.

Step 7: Optional Creamy or Silky Touch

Want to take this Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe to the next level? Transfer it to a blender along with 1/3 cup soaked and drained cashews for a fabulously creamy sauce. Alternatively, a little extra-virgin olive oil drizzled in at the end adds a silken richness that will wow your taste buds.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

The first image shows a pan filled with a thick red sauce that looks rich and chunky. In the middle of the sauce, there are small piles of different dry spices in yellow, brown, and beige colors, creating small spots on the surface. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. The second image shows a small jar filled with a smooth, pale yellow cream, with its black lid beside it. The jar and lid are placed on a white marbled surface with a clean background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes are perfect ways to add that finishing touch. They not only boost visual appeal but lift the flavor profile even higher.

Side Dishes

This tomato sauce shines beside classic spaghetti or any pasta shape you love, but it also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for warm garlic bread. Let your imagination run wild!

Creative Ways to Present

Try dolloping it over crispy polenta rounds or spoon it inside stuffed bell peppers for a surprising twist. It also works wonderfully as a base layer for homemade pizza, turning a simple pie into a masterpiece with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Freeze any leftover sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Portioning it out means you can thaw just what you need for future quick meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this sauce?

Absolutely! While Roma tomatoes are ideal for their balance of flavor and thickness, you can use San Marzano or even vine-ripened tomatoes. Just keep in mind that juicier varieties might require a bit longer cooking for the sauce to thicken.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

Not strictly, but nutritional yeast adds a lovely cheesy, umami depth without dairy. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but your sauce will miss that tasty dimension.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

Increase the crushed red pepper amount, add a pinch of cayenne, or stir in some finely chopped fresh chili for a bold kick. Adjust gradually to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I make this sauce vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, especially when using vegetable broth or olive oil and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

What’s the best way to use extra sauce?

Beyond pasta, spread it on sandwiches, mix into soups for extra tang, or use as a flavorful base for shakshuka or Italian-style egg casseroles.

Final Thoughts

Making your own sauce may seem intimidating, but this Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe proves that fresh, vibrant flavors and a simple process can coexist beautifully. It’s a joyful way to bring a little homemade love to your meals, and once you try it, I’m betting this will be your new go-to sauce. So grab those juicy tomatoes and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!