Super Simple Tomato Sauce -

Spaghetti with simple tomato sauce on a plate with a bowl of cheese next to it.

5 from 3 votes

Super Simple Tomato Sauce

This recipe for super simple tomato sauce is the quickest and easiest tomato sauce you can make! This family-favorite is a weeknight staple, and relies on velvety pureed tomatoes and a little garlic to bring loads of flavor to spaghetti night.

Cook Time15

Total Time15

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 43kcal

Author: Nicole Spiridakis

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic sliced or minced
1 28-ounce jar tomato puree (I like Bionature organic strained tomatoes)
salt to taste
pinch sugar
½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a medium or large pot, warm the 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Cook the 2 cloves garlic for about 2 minutes until it softens.
Add the 1 28-ounce jar tomato pureesalt to tasteand the pinch sugar. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with ½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil if you wish, taste for salt, and add a pinch of pepper if desired.

Notes

Add more garlic - Yep, I advise doing this if you don't have any garlic-averse diners in the house. I love adding a lot of garlic to sauces and stews because it infuses them with so much extra flavor.
Don't skip the sugar - I know it may sound funny to add in sugar to tomato sauce. But hear me out - if the puree is at all bitter, the sweetness will balance it. A pinch of sugar will also accentuate the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. I also love a little honey instead of sugar, for a more mellow, natural sweetness.
Add a bay leaf - Here in Northern California, I'm lucky enough to have access to bay leaves on the regular. I'll often pop one into a pot of sauce or soup for a pop of earthy flavor. It's so good! Just remember to remove the leaf before serving the sauce.
Choose good-quality tomato puree - I love Bionature because it's an organic brand, plus it tastes really good. I also like that it comes in glass bottles, so there's no potential of weird aftertaste from a tin can. You can use whatever type of tomato puree you like, but that is my choice!

Nutrition